Habitat
White-ear form large schools around reef areas from 0 to 30 metres in depth. They are more common in northern Tasmania and highly territorial. Males will vigorously defend their territory during the breeding season.
Fishing information
Mostly likely encountered as bycatch in gillnets, they are normally released due to being too small to be retained as food. They are very hardy and will live for extended periods if taken in a gillnet.
Handling
White-ear have little to no slime covering and rough scales they can easily be returned to the water by wet hands.