Species
School Prawn
Metapenaeus macleayi
Tier 3Eating9/10ultralight tackleNSWQLD
0 waypoints8–12 cm (max 15 cm) typical
Regulations
NSWbag 10
| State | Size | Bag |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | — | 10 |
10 L of prawns per person | ||
Regulations change. Always verify with the relevant state fisheries authority before fishing.
Overview: about school prawn
Common east-coast estuarine prawn of NSW and southern QLD, central to the commercial prawn trawl fishery. Cast-netted by rec anglers in summer for bait and a feed. Excellent eating.
Biology: School Prawn size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Estuary
- Typical size
- 8–12 cm (max 15 cm)
- Weight
- 0.01–0.04 kg
- Depth range
- 0–30 m
- Diet
- detritus, small invertebrates
- Most active
- nocturnal
- Global range
- Eastern Australia
How to target: School Prawn angling strategies
Generally fished with ultralight tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- cast nets at night in estuaries on running tide
Recent community catches: anglers who caught school prawn
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More information: school prawn references & sources
Saved.