Quick Facts
Distribution
Interesting Info
- Yellowfin Bream are a schooling fish, endemic to the east coast of Australia.
- These bream are often confused with Black Bream and can be distinguished by a higher snout, yellow pelvic and anal fins.
- They are opportunistic carnivores, feeding on smaller fish, crabs, worms & prawns.
- Estimates of lifespan are up to 20 years, with the average between 3 to 8 years.
- After spawning season, a proportion of the population change from male to female (protandry).
- Fish colour can change depending on habitat. Those in brackish to freshwater tend to be more bronze or brownish in colour whilst those in saltier areas are silver.
- The main predators of Yellowfin Bream include sharks and larger predatory fish.
Species Interaction
Commercial & Recreational Fishing
Yellowfin Bream are a highly targeted sports fish, excellent for the novice to the more experienced. They can be targeted from shore or boat and are abundant on the east coast of Australia from Queensland down to Victoria. The fish do have some commercial relevance being caught in various nets and traps across QLD, NSW & VIC. It is estimated that more fish are taken recreationally each year than commercially.
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Sparidae
Genus: Acanthopagrus
Species: Acanthopagrus australis
Conservation Status
Based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Yellowfin Bream are currently categorised as “Least Concern”(LC).
LC is a lowest risk category on the scale for risk with “Extinct”(EX) being the highest.
Fish Taste Quality
Yellowfin Bream are a great table fish cooked as fillets or whole.
Taste Rating: 4/5
How to catch
Yellowfin Bream
Catch Difficulty: Intermediate
Tackle: Patternoster Rig, Running Sinker Rig
Bait: Bread, Crab, Fresh cut flesh baits, Lures, Bait jig, Pilchards, Prawns, Squid, Worms, Yabbies, Soft plastics
Technique: Keep bait close to the reef/structure, Cast lures close to structure
Popularity: Highly Targeted