Seamoth - Sculptured

seamoth scuptured
© 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

sea dragon, dragonfish, long-tailed dragonfish, sea moth


Scientific name

Pegasus lancifer

Grows to


Up to

11cm

Identifying features


​This seamoth is brown in colour but can rapidly change its colour to suit its surroundings. It has a long snout, hard bony plates on its back and a long tail. They resemble a moth because they spread their large, patterned pectoral fins onto the sea bed, using them to ‘walk’ over soft sediment searching for food. Males have small coloured patches at the rear of the pectoral fins.

​Habitat

Found over sand or mud or seagrass.

Fishing information

Seamoths are occasionally seen in sheltered inlets but are unlikely to be taken on a line or net due to their small size and shape. Often seen in the stomach contents of flathead or gurnard perch.

Responsible fishing tips

If you catch a sea moth release it as it is not generally considered edible.

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