Pale Octopus

Octopus pale
© Tasmanian Government. Image Peter Gouldthorpe
Season: Open all year

bag limit5

 

possession limit10

 

boat limit-

(octopus 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

octopus


Scientific name

Octopus pallidus

Grows to


Up to

15cm mantle length, 50cm total length and up to 1 kg

Identifying features


​Sandy brown in colour with a round, dome shaped mantle or body and short arms. Covered in raised skin fingers on head and body.

​Rules

They cannot be taken by a specialised octopus pot or trap.

Habitat

Found on sandy, rubbly substrates often near sponge gardens in depths from 10-40 metres. Occurs in Bass Strait, down the east coast and as far south as the D’Entrecasteaux Channel.

Fishing information

Octopus are usually taken by hand, gaff, line, net, bait trap or in rock lobster pots and rings. This species is often taken as a bycatch when line fishing for flathead.

Handling

Handle with caution as octopus have a mouth or beak at the centre point of its arms that can inflict a painful bite.

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