Open Year-Round

Javelinfish

Family Haemulidae

Also known as: Spotted javelin, painted javelin

DPIRD Category Nearshore / Estuarine
Peak Season Year-round
Difficulty Beginner
Fight Rating ★★☆☆☆
Javelinfish

Regulations & Limits

NEARSHORE / ESTUARINE

Limits by Bioregion

West Coast N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
South Coast N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
Gascoyne N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
Pilbara N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
North Coast (Kimberley) N/A
Species not commonly found in this region

ℹ️ Regulations can change. Always verify current rules at rules.fish.wa.gov.au

Size & Weight

Typical Size25-40 cm
Max Size80 cm
Typical Weight0.5-2 kg
Max Weight8 kg

Habitat

Where: Tropical reefs, estuaries and inshore waters

Depth: 1-30m

ID Features: Elongated body, prominent lips, spotted or banded patterns depending on species

Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Peak Available Poor

Peak: Year-round | Water Temp: 24-30°C

How to Catch Javelinfish

1

Bait fishing

Setup

  • Line: PE 1-2
  • Leader: 20-30lb fluorocarbon

Best Baits

  • Prawns
  • Squid
  • Pilchards

Eating Quality

★★★☆☆ Good

Flesh: White, mild flesh

Best cooked: Pan-fried, grilled

The Fight

★★☆☆☆ 2/5

Light but willing fighters. Reliable bait takers in tropical waters.

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