Snapper

Pagrus auratus

Some SnapperSnapper is regarded as one of the glamour fish of saltwater fishing in South Australia and is an important recreational and commercial species.

What do they look like?

Snapper vary in colour from red to golden pink, to light grey on their backs and sides, with numerous small spots.

Where are they found?

Snapper are found throughout the southern half of Australia. Juvenile snapper, also known as rugger snapper, are mainly found in inlets, bays, shallow and sheltered marine waters. Adults are often found near reefs, underwater structures including limestone ledges, and man made structures such as artificial reefs and wrecks etc.

Life cycle

As the juvenile snapper get older, there is a tendency to move deeper into gulf and offshore waters. They will usually remain in these waters until they reach 12 to 13 years of age, and then return to inshore waters for the remainder of their lives.

Snapper in South Australian waters will spawn between late October and early March, with most snapper in the gulf waters reaching sexual maturity when they reach 28cm in length. Snapper are also known as serial spawners, meaning that they will spawn repeatedly during the breeding season.

Snapper reach the minimum length of 38cm at approximately 6 years of age. They can reportedly live up to 35 years, with 22-year-old fish common in our waters.

The legal minimum length of snapper, as with all species, is set so that most fish will have the best opportunity possible of reaching sexual maturity. This will ensure that snapper will continue to replenish its stock, allowing adequate access for all fishers.

Feeding Habits

The natural diet of snapper includes crabs, squid, sea urchins and mussels.


Commercial Fishing

The commercial netting of snapper is no longer permissible in South Australia, with commercially caught snapper taken by handline or the use of longlines.

Catch Limits & Legal Lengths

Minimum legal length: 38 cm measured from tip of snout to tip of tail

In the waters of Gulf St Vincent, Investigator Strait, Backstairs Passage  link to map

Small snapper, 38 cm to 60 cm in length
Personal daily bag limit: 5
Daily boat limit: 15

Large snapper, over 60 cm in length
Personal daily bag limit: 2
Daily boat limit: 6

In all other South Australian waters

Small snapper, 38 cm to 60 cm in length
Personal daily bag limit: 10
Daily boat limit: 30

Large snapper, over 60 cm in length
Personal daily bag limit: 2
Daily boat limit: 6
Closure:

It is unlawful to take snapper from any South Australian waters from 12 midday 1 November to 12 midday 30 November.
During this period, any snapper caught accidentally must be returned to the water immediately. Heavy fines apply if you do not release the snapper back to the water.