Sergeant Baker

sergant baker
© 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

flagfin, threadsail


Scientific name

Aulopus purpurissatus

Grows to


Up to

60cm

Identifying features


​The sergeant baker has red to bright orange mottling on the flanks and head, a yellowish to white underside and orange eyes. Its fins are yellow with red, orange and brown blotches. In males, the dorsal fin is long and threadlike but not so in females. This large-mouthed species is able to change colour to suit bottom habitat.

​Habitat

Found around reefs, sea grasses and rocky outcrops down to 250 metres.

Fishing information

Sergeant baker are an ambush predator who will take a variety of flesh baits and once hooked they give a reasonable fight. They are occasionally caught near shallow coastal reefs or whilst flathead fishing. Divers may notice this relatively common species when they display inquisitive behaviour such as perching on the sea floor with their head up.

Handling

They do have small sharp teeth so care needs to be taken in removing hooks.

Cooking

These fish are edible and quite tasty but very bony. Consider fish soups or steaming to allow the flesh to separate from the numerous 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