Redfish

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

bag limit5

 

possession limit10

 

boat limit-

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

nannygai, Eastern nannygai, golden snapper, red snapper, king snapper, koarea


Scientific name

Centroberyx affinis

Grows to


Up to

50cm

Identifying features


​The redfish has a moderately short, compressed body shape and a large mouth and eyes. It is orangey-red in colour with silver flanks with small red-pink spots on the centre scales that form stripes. There is a single dorsal fin and the tail fin is deeply forked. Commonly confused with the imperador, it can be distinguished by its narrower body shape, the colouring on the central scales and the tail shape.

​Habitat

Redfish are found in depths from 4-150 metres, mainly around northern Tasmania. Adults tending to be found in deeper waters hiding in caves and other structures like wrecks during the day. They form dense schools at night feeding midwater. Juveniles are known to enter large estuaries then move offshore as they mature.

Fishing information

Usually encountered when fishing for other deep water species or seen by divers above steeply sloping reefs.

Handling

Take care when handling this fish as the dorsal and anal fins have sharp spines.

Cooking

These fish have small fillets with firm white flesh and are good eating although they tend to have a lot of bones.

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