Pearl Perch illustration
Species

Pearl Perch

Glaucosoma scapulare
Tier 3Eating10/10medium tackleVulnerableNSWQLD
54 waypoints35–55 cm (max 70 cm) typical

Regulations

NSW30 cm min · bag 5QLD38 cm min · bag 4
StateSizeBag
NSW30 cm min5
QLD38 cm min4
Closed: 1 May - 31 Aug (entire QLD pearl perch closure since 2021)

Regulations change. Always verify with the relevant state fisheries authority before fishing.

Overview: about pearl perch

Premium east-coast reef fish found mainly off southern QLD and northern NSW in 40-150m. Targeted with bait and jigs over offshore reef and gravel grounds. Slow-growing, tightly regulated and one of the best eating fish on the east coast.

Biology: Pearl Perch size, diet & habitat

Habitat
Offshore, Reef
Typical size
35–55 cm (max 70 cm)
Weight
1–3 kg (max 8 kg)
Depth range
40–200 m
Diet
small reef fish, squid, crustaceans
Most active
diurnal
Global range
Endemic to east coast Australia

How to target: Pearl Perch angling strategies

Generally fished with medium tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.

  • squid or pilchard on a paternoster rig over deep reef in 60-120m
  • soft plastics and slow-pitch jigs over offshore pinnacles

Best season: when to catch pearl perch in Australia

NSW
year-round (offshore)
QLD
Sep-Apr (outside closure)

Seasons shift with water temperature and local conditions, so check recent reports before a trip.

Conservation

IUCN: Vulnerable

IUCN Vulnerable; QLD stock listed Depleted under sustainability assessment — full winter closure.

Recent community catches: anglers who caught pearl perch

No pearl perch catches logged yet. Log one and you'll be recognised here.

Where to catch: pearl perch fishing spots in Australia

Queensland40
New South Wales14

More information: pearl perch references & sources

Log catch