Southern Cowrie

Cowrie southern
© Tasmanian Government. Image Peter Gouldthorpe
Season: Open all year

bag limit20

 

possession limit-

 

boat limit-

(other shellfish species combined)

Guide to symbols

bagBag Limit
housePossession Limit
boatBoat Limit

Minimum size

None
Measuring

Most scalefish are measured from the nose to the end of the tail. Get your scalefish measuring ruler or sticker at any Service Tasmania outlet.

Other names

brown cowrie, slim cowrie, tight cowrie, Comptons cowrie


Scientific name

Notocypraea angustata

Grows to


Up to

30mm

Identifying features


​The mantle or shell of the southern cowrie can vary in colour from pale to dark brown. Usually there are no dorsal stripes but large blurred spots on the margin are common. It is one of five species found in Tasmania and very similar to Compton’s cowrie Notocypraea comptoni which is narrower with a lighter brown or orange shell sometimes with slightly darker stripes across it.

​Habitat

Most frequently observed living subtidally under rocks from 0-15 metres.

Fishing information

A widespread and common species in Tasmania, these attractive cowries are popular with shell collectors. Only take shells washed up on the beach (cast) rather than a living cowrie, unless you are collecting for an aquarium.

Handling

Admire and return to the water alive.

Hotline

Fishwatch Report illegal fishing

0427 655 557

What to report? arrow button

Contact us

Recreational Fishing

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

Hobart TAS 7000

Phone: (03) 6165 3233, 1300 720 647

Email: fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: commercial.fisheries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries Licensing

Level 1, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: fisheries.licensing@nre.tas.gov.au