Blue Weed-Whiting

blue weed whiting
© Tasmanian Government. Image Peter Gouldthorpe
Season: Open all year

bag limit15

 

possession limit30

 

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

weedy whiting, rock whiting, grass whiting, blue rock whiting, stranger whiting, blue-arsed whiting


Scientific name

Haletta semifasciata

Grows to


Up to

40cm

Identifying features


​This weed whiting has a slender body shape with a pointed snout. They have a distinctive yellow eye and a small mouth. The male is a bright blue colour with blue fins, brown stripes and a blue area around the anus. Females and juveniles are a yellow greenish colour with a silver stripe along the side. More closely related to wrasses than the true whitings.

​Habitat

Found around sea grass beds and rocky reefs down to 15m in depth where it feeds on small invertebrates and algae.

Fishing information

Blue weed-whiting may form schools in sheltered estuaries over seagrass beds. Use a small hook and baits such as sand worms, chicken or prawns to target this species.

Handling

Handle with wet hands or towel for releasing. Remove barbs from hooks to allow easy release.

Cooking

Not known for its eating qualities. Some fishers prefer the taste of the sand whiting to this one which can have blue-green flesh.

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