Maireener

Maireener
© 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

rainbow shell, green necklace shell, kelp shell, rainbow kelp shell


Scientific name

Phasianotrochus irisodontes

Grows to


Up to

20mm in height

Identifying features


​A tiny, cone-shaped shell with a pointed apex, these sea snails can be brownish or greenish on the outside with darker striations, sometimes with a whiter apex. When polished, these beautifully coloured iridescent shells feature rainbow colours including yellows, pinks and olive green.

​Rules

Maireeners are a prescribed fish under fisheries regulations which allow Aboriginal fishers to make and sell artifacts such as shell necklaces.

Habitat

Found subtidally around seaweeds, especially brown macroalgae, from 0-8 metres in depth. Common around Flinders Island and on the east and north coasts.

Fishing information

Maireeners are most likely to be encountered as cast shells around the seashore. These multi-coloured shellfish but are small in size usually considered too small to use for food or bait.

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