⚠️
West Coast Demersal Closure in Effect
Ruby Snapper is part of the West Coast demersal scalefish closure. Boat-based recreational fishing for this species is prohibited until Spring 2027.
View full closure details →
West Coast Closed
Ruby Snapper
Etelis carbunculus
Also known as: Ruby, Flame Snapper
DPIRD Category
Demersal Scalefish
Peak Season
Year round
Difficulty
Difficult
Fight Rating
★★★☆☆
Regulations & Limits
DEMERSAL SCALEFISH
⚖️ Mixed Species Limit Applies
Ruby Snapper count towards your total demersal scalefish bag limit. You can keep a maximum of 2 demersal scalefish total statewide.
Limits by Bioregion
West Coast
CLOSED
Species not commonly found in this region
South Coast
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
Gascoyne
OPEN
Min Size
—
Individual Limit
3 fish
Mixed Limit
Within 5 demersal total
✓ Open year-round.
Pilbara
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
North Coast (Kimberley)
OPEN
Min Size
—
Individual Limit
3 fish
Mixed Limit
Within 5 demersal total
✓ Open year-round.
Good to Know
- Part of tropical snappers group (Family Lutjanidae)
- Deep water species - typically found 200-400m
ℹ️ Regulations can change. Always verify current rules at rules.fish.wa.gov.au
Size & Weight
| Typical Size | 40 cm |
| Max Size | 70 cm |
| Typical Weight | 3 kg |
| Max Weight | 8 kg |
Habitat
Where: Very deep reefs, offshore structure
Depth: 150-400m
ID Features: Deep red/ruby colour, forked tail, streamlined body
Season
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Peak
Available
Poor
Peak: Year round | Water Temp: 22 – 28°C
How to Catch Ruby Snapper
1
Deep dropping
Setup
- Line: PE5-8 / 30-50kg
- Leader: 80-130lb fluoro
Top Lures
- Heavy jigs 300-500g
- Electric reel setup
Best Baits
- Squid
- Whole fish
- Octopus
Eating Quality
Flesh: White/pink
Best cooked: Sashimi, grilled (premium)
The Fight
Long fight from depth