Tulip Shell

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

bag limit20

 

possession limit-

 

boat limit-

(other shellfish species 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

short spindle shell, Australian tulip shell, horse conch


Scientific name

Pleuroploca Australasia

Grows to


Up to

15cm

Identifying features


​A common species of sea snail, tulip shells are quite large spirals with nodules on the shoulders and a horn-like projection out the front of the main body. The foot can be vivid red in colour and the shell may vary considerably in colour between locations. These carnivorous snails prey on invertebrates during the night.

​Habitat

Found in waters 0-100 metres in crevices on sheltered and moderately exposed reef systems. Widely distributed around Tasmania.

Fishing information

The bleached shell is often seen washed up in rock pools or on beaches. Limit your catch of these large shellfish as taking large amounts of predators from an ecosystem can have serious impacts on other species.

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