Ocean Perch

perch ocean
© Tasmanian Government. Image Peter Gouldthorpe
Season: Open all year

bag limit15

 

possession limit30

 

boat limit-

Limits apply to common gurnard and ocean perch 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

ocean perch, red gurnard perch, red rock perch, sea perch


Scientific name

Helicolenus percoides

Grows to


Up to

47 cm and 1.2 kg

Identifying features


​Reef ocean perch have large pectoral fins, a notched dorsal fin and bright colouring, generally orange-pink to white.  They differ from other Tasmanian gurnard perch because they have three orange to brown bands across their body and fewer spines on their cheek.

​​Habitat

Adults are the most abundant in deep waters on the continental slope with smaller fish more common on the continental shelf from 10-425 metres.  Young fish are sometimes found on shallower Tasmanian reefs adjacent to deep water.

Fishing Information

They are mostly caught in depths greater than 30 metres while fishing for striped trumpeter.

Handling

Beware of poisonous glands at the base of the dorsal, anal and ventral fins when handling or removing from the line.

Cooking

Reef ocean perch have firm white flesh and a low oil content.  Suitable to bake, barbeque, deep or shallow fry, grill, poach or steam.​

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