Tasmanian Whitebait

Lovettia sealii

Sea Life Endemic IUCN: Least Concern

About

Elongated, slender-bodied scaleless fish with a sharply-pointed snout. It appears transparent with a silvery mid-lateral stripe when at sea. Grey to blackish during spawning.

Large shoals of one-year-old whitebait spawn in spring after migration into rivers and estuaries. Eggs are deposited on the bottom and among debris. After hatching the 'fry' are swept out to sea, while the adults die.

Size

Can grow to around 77mm

Habitat

Coastal seas, estuaries and rivers.

Distribution

Found only in Tasmania and southern Victoria, Australia

Gallery

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References & citations (2)

Bray, D.J. & Gomon, M.F. 2020, Lovettia sealii in Fishes of Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)

Quick Facts

Common name: Tasmanian Whitebait
Scientific name: Lovettia sealii (Johnston, 1883)
Family: Galaxiidae
Category: Sea Life › Fish
Origin: Endemic
Conservation: Least Concern

Australian Faunal Directory

Rules & Regulations

Check current size, bag and seasonal limits before taking this species.

Inland Fisheries Service

Also Known As

Australian Whitebait
Whitebait
Derwent Smelt

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Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.