Wrasse - Senator

Wrasse Senator
© Tasmanian Government. Image Peter Gouldthorpe
Season: Open all year

bag limit5

 

possession limit10

 

boat limit-

(wrasse species combined)

Guide to symbols

bagBag Limit
housePossession Limit
boatBoat Limit

Minimum size

30cm
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

patrician wrasse, purple-banded wrasse, green parrot fish, senator fish, kelpie, rainbow wrasse


Scientific name

Pictilabrus laticlavius

Grows to


Up to

30cm

Identifying features


​Habitat

Sheltered coastal reefs and algal beds from 0-30m in depth.

Fishing information

An inquisitive fish, the senator wrasse is caught from wharves, coastal reefs, amongst kelp or from a boat. Males become territorial during breeding season and attach to certain reefs. If you are catching bluethroat or other wrasse then you may eventually catch a senator wrasse due to their overlapping habitats. They will take a variety of baits.

Handling

Due to the body shape these fish can be difficult to hold to remove a hook. Hold the fish from the under belly with wet hands or cloth to avoiding the ventral and dorsal fin spines.

Cooking

They are edible and flesh is similar to bluethroat wrasse in texture and taste.

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