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Tarwhine

Tarwhine

Rhabdosargus Sarba

Quick Facts

Scientific name Rhabdosargus Sarba

Other names Goldlined Seabream, Silver Bream

Size Up to 60 cm (23.6 in)

Weight Up to 2 kg (4.4 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Coastal waters, estuaries, beaches, sandy reef areas, bays & deeper channels

Depth Range

Interesting Info

Tarwhine like most bream are a schooling fish, found in a range of marine water habitats – brackish water estuaries to deep marine waters as they mature.
They have a large range including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, South Africa, parts of Asia down to Australia on the eastern and western coasts.
Tarwhine are often confused with black and yellowfin bream. The distinguishing difference of Tarwhine are yellow or gold lines on a silver body along with a more rounded head.
Tarwhine are omnivores, feeding on crabs, prawns, worms, smaller fish, mussels & aquatic macrophytes.
Estimated lifespan of Tarwhine average between 8 to 10 years, but up to 15 years. They mature at around 2 to 3 years of age.
Like most sparidae species, they are a protandrous hermaphrodite, changing sex from male to female
The main predators of tarwhine include sharks and larger predatory fish.

Species Interaction

Commercial & Recreational Fishing

Tarwhine are a popular recreational fish for all levels of anglers. They can be caught from shore or boat and are abundant throughout eastern and western Australia coastlines. They have a minimal commercial relevance but are targeted via nets in certain parts of south west Australia.