Bluebottle

Jellyfish bluebottle
© Tasmanian Government. Image Peter Gouldthorpe
Season: Open all year

bag limit-

 

possession limit-

 

boat limit-

Guide to symbols

bagBag Limit
housePossession Limit
boatBoat Limit

Minimum size

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

Portuguese man o’war, man o’war, Australian bluebottle


Scientific name

Physalia physalis

Grows to


Up to

30cm

Identifying features


​Small blue to purple jellyfish with a clear gas bubble which allows it to float on the water surface.

​Habitat

Bluebottles are found in temperate and tropical waters during periods of warm current movement. Commonly seen on beaches around Tasmania in summer and autumn periods.

Fishing information

Not taken by recreational fishers. Care needs to be taken when bluebottles are seen floating in adjacent areas. The bluebottle’s tentacles may be windblown onto the fisher as they retrieve their lines or caught up on longlines and gillnets as they are retrieved.

Handling

These jellyfish can deliver very painful stings and should be avoided even if the animal appears dead on a beach. The stinging cells in the tentacles can remain active for some time even after the jellyfish has been cast on the shore.

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