Overview
The Australian Herring is one of the most abundant fish in Western and South Australian waters. Easy to catch, perfect for families and beginners. Gathers in large schools near shore and provides continuous fun on light tackle.
Identification
Well-developed swim bladderVilliform teeth in both jawsPointed pectoral finsSilvery coloration with lateral linesLow dorsal finsLarge eyesDeeply forked caudal fin
- Body
- The body is elongated and slightly compressed laterally.
- Colouration
- It has a silvery coloration with a greenish tint on the back and darker lateral bands.
- Sexual dimorphism
- Absent/low evidence
- Growth
- medium, growing rapidly in the first years of life
Taxonomy
- Family
- Arripidae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
Related species
Arripis truttaArripis xylabionArripis truttaceaPseudocaranx dentexSillago vittata
Habitat & distribution
- Environment
- coast, open_sea
- Preferred bottom
- sand, rock, reef
- Geographic distribution
- Widespread along the southern coasts of Australia, primarily in Western Australia and South Australia.
- Micro-habitat
- Forms large schools near the coast, often around marine reefs and sandbanks.
They prefer shallow, well-oxygenated waters, ideal for consistent schooling.
Presence by sea area
Au Costa SudPeak
Au Costa Ovest TemperataPeak
Diet
- Primary prey
- shrimp, small fish, squid
- Secondary prey
- crustaceans, fish larvae, seaweed
- Occasional prey
- plankton, octopuses, jellyfish
- Feeding behaviour
- Feeds mainly in groups, visually hunting and swiftly chasing prey through the water column.
- Natural predators
- sharks, large pelagic fish, seabirds
Tends to diversify its diet based on the season and prey availability.
Behaviour
- Activity
- diurnal
- Social behaviour
- large_schools
- Aggressiveness
- low
- Migration
- They must migrate to seasonal breeding areas along the coast.
- Seasonal behaviour
- Tends to group more during the breeding season and in autumn, when they form large schools.
- Juveniles
- Juveniles are often found closer to the shore and form schools for protection.
- Adults
- Adults migrate to seasonal breeding zones, forming large schools.
Reproduction
- Spawning season
- April, May
- Spawning depth
- between 20 and 50 meters
- Eggs
- Pelagic eggs, small and round, floating in open waters.
- Larval stage
- Larvae are initially found in surface waters and widely distributed by currents.
- Sexual maturity
- 2-4 years
When to catch Australian Herring
Activity calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
PeakGoodLowInactive
Activity by season
Best times
DayDawn, Dusk
Night—
This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.
Fishing activity decreases in winter, when conditions are less favourable.
Ideal conditions
Water temperature
10°COptimal zone: 14-24°C27°C
Preferred tide: moving
Where to catch it
Best spots
sandy beachesartificial reefsjettiesbays
Bottom preference
Spot type
Fishing techniques
Recommended
spinningsurf castingfly fishingbottom fishing
Other applicable
SpinningShore JiggingBeach FishingRock FishingSpinning MedioSurfcasting
Recommended baits
shrimpartificial luressardinessquid
Baits by pressure
Low
Piuma biancaSabiki standardSoftbait piccolo / LRFCucchiaino ondulanteGrubJig head + softbaitMetal jig leggero (20-40g)
Medium
Gamberetto vivoGambero morto / GamberoYabbie / Gambero d'acqua salmastra
High
Beach wormVerme di sanguePippy (Donax)BigattinoPane raffermo
Catch & handling tips
- Fight
- Shows an initial vigorous resistance with quick lateral movements.
- Handling
- Handle carefully to avoid removing the silvery scales.
- Release
- Release quickly to preserve the population, avoiding excessive exposure to air.
Curiosities & culture
- Record catches
- The Australian herring can reach a maximum length of 41 cm and a weight of about 1.5 kg. A species of great importance in recreational fishing in Australia, often caught in large quantities, especially during seasonal migrations.
- In the kitchen
- Popular when fried or grilled. Often consumed fresh and appreciated for its delicate flavor.
- Cultural notes
- An iconic species sought after by anglers for its catchability and frequency.
- Historical notes
- It has been a significant food source for Australian coastal communities since ancient times.
