Species
Old Wife
Enoplosus armatus
Tier 4Eating4/10light tackleNSWVICSAWATAS
0 waypoints15–25 cm (max 30 cm) typical
Overview: about old wife
Distinctive striped southern Australian reef fish, often common in pairs around rocky reef and weed. Frequently caught and released — bony and known to spoil quickly if not bled.
Biology: Old Wife size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Reef
- Typical size
- 15–25 cm (max 30 cm)
- Weight
- 0.2–0.6 kg
- Depth range
- 1–90 m
- Diet
- small crustaceans, plankton
- Global range
- Southern Australia
How to target: Old Wife angling strategies
Generally fished with light tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- small baits on reef
Safety & handling
In the same waters
- venomous dorsal spines
Recent community catches: anglers who caught old wife
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More information: old wife references & sources
Saved.