Greenback Flounder

Flounder greenback
© Tasmanian Government. Image Peter Gouldthorpe
Season: Open all year

bag limit15

 

possession limit30

 

boat limit-

Limits apply to flounder species combined.

Guide to symbols

bagBag Limit
housePossession Limit
boatBoat Limit

Minimum size

25cm
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

southern flounder, Melbourne flounder


Scientific name

Rhombosolea tapirina

Grows to


Up to

45cm and 0.6kg

Identifying features


​Greenback flounder are a flat-bodied fish with mainly dark green above and white underneath but their colour may vary to blend into their environment. It has an extended snout which projects in front of the mouth. This species can be distinguished from the longsnout flounder by its more diamond shaped body and green colouration.

​Habitat

Commonly found in shallow coastal estuaries and bays on sand or muddy type bottom right around Tasmania from 0-100 metres depth.

Fishing information

Most recreational fishers in Tasmania use flounder spears and lights at night in larger estuaries and on shallow graded beaches. Caught on still nights on the incoming tide when flounder come into shallow water to feed on small invertebrates such as sand worms and nipper prawns. They are rarely caught on lines.

Cooking

A popular eating fish, flounder have an excellent flavour with finely textured, firm white flesh and low oil content. Suitable to pan fry, bake, barbeque, grill or poach.

Recipe - Pan Fried Flounder with Almonds

2 whole flounder; flour; salt and pepper; 3 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp lemon juice; chopped parsley; ½ cup almond flakes.

Coat flounder in seasoned flour. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a pan and fry the flounder for about 3-5 minutes on each side. Remove to a dish, cover with foil and keep warm while you repeat this with the other fish. Add remaining butter and almonds to the pan and cook for a few minutes, stirring, until the almonds turn golden and the butter turns brown.  Add chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon over the fish.

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: fishing.licensing@nre.tas.gov.au