General Description

Dark blue green above, paler on side, silvery to white below; iris yellow. Usually 40 cm long head to tail tip. To 1.2 m.

Biology

A fast-swimming voracious feeder, preying on small schooling fishes such as anchovies, herring and mullet. It spawns in open seas and is seasonally migratory, occurring in Victorian waters during summer months. It is highly prized by recreational anglers and excellent eating. The name "Tailor" comes from the habit of cutting fishing nets with its scissor-like teeth.

Habitat

Primarily pelagic in the open ocean, coming inshore close to beaches and into bays in search of food, in depths of 1-15 m.

Open water

Distribution guide

Widespread in subtropical and temperate coastal waters, seasonally present in Victoria.

Species Group

Fishes › Tailors

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

Midwater

Max Size

1.2 m

Commercial Species

Yes

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed