Tasmanian Numbfish

tasmanian numbfish ray
© Tasmanian Government. Image Peter Gouldthorpe
Season: Open all year

bag limit2

 

possession limit4

 

boat limit5

Bag and possession limits are for sharks and rays other than school, gummy, mako, blue, or elephantfish combined. Boat limit is for all shark and ray species combined, excluding elephantfish.

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

numbfish, little numbfish, electric ray


Scientific name

Narcine tasmaniensis

Grows to


Up to

50cm

Identifying features


​A small ray, wedge-shaped with a circular head and a relatively long, broad tail. They are light brown on back and white underneath.

​​Area Restriction 

Do not take in shark refuge areas.

Habitat

Found over soft bottom in sheltered bays of southern Tasmania but occurs mainly in deeper waters to 600m.

Fishing Information

More commonly seen by divers than caught on a line or in a net. Will take fish bait but are rarely encountered.

Handling

Care needs to be taken when handling as this fish can provide a small electric shock.

Cooking

Not normally eaten.​

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