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dpi note
Snapper (knobbies, red bream, squire)
Pagrus auratus

Officers of DPI Fisheries

snapper

This is a regulated fish. See Recreational fishing rules in Queensland - Tidal waters for the current regulations.

Description

Snapper grow to at least 130cm (19.5kg). These fish live for around 14 or 15 years and are sexually mature at 3 years of age. Adult snapper are bright pink, merging to silver over the belly, or they may be red-brown with pink-flushed fins. Young fish are called squire and are distinct from adults in having bright blue spots scattered over the upper sides of their bodies, and the lack of a hump over the nape. As fish grow the blue spots fade, the snout becomes more bulbous and a hump forms over the nape.

Habitat/distribution

Snapper are marine fish and can be found in coastal waters and on the continental shelf to depths of about 200m. Juveniles are generally found inshore and often move seaward as they mature. In Queensland they range from the Capricorn-Bunker reef groups to the New South Wales border. They can be found in all southern Australian coastal waters as far north as Barrow Island in Western Australia. Being a southerly fish, they can also be found around the coast of Tasmania.

Further information

Department of Primary Industries. (2002). Fish Guide. Saltwater, Freshwater and Noxious Species. The Great Outdoors Publications, Brisbane.

Grant, E.M. (2002). Grant's Guide To Fishes. E.M. Grant Pty Limited, Brisbane.

Note: Some information in this publication may change from time to time (especially size and in-possession limits). You should contact your nearest Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol or the DPI&F Business Information Centre (13 25 23) for latest fisheries regulations and information.

This DPI Note is also published on the DPI&F's PrimeNotes CD-ROM.

Information contained in this publication is provided as general advice only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought. The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Queensland has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the information in this publication is accurate at the time of publication. Readers should ensure that they make appropriate inquiries to determine whether new information is available on the particular subject matter.

File No: f00111
Last reviewed 23 December 2003


 

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