Southern Calamari illustration
Species

Southern Calamari

Sepioteuthis australis
Also known as southern reef squid
Tier 2Eating10/10ultralight tackleNSWVICSAWATAS
1 waypoint15–30 cm (max 60 cm) typical

Regulations

NSWbag 20VICbag 10SAbag 15TASbag 15
StateSizeBag
NSW—20
VIC—10
SA—15
TAS—15

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

Overview: about southern calamari

The classic southern Australian squid found over weed and reef flats from southern QLD around to WA. Targeted with squid jigs cast from boats, jetties and rock walls in clear, weedy water. Top-shelf table fish and a premier livebait for snapper, mulloway and kingfish.

Biology: Southern Calamari size, diet & habitat

Habitat
Estuary, Inshore, Reef
Typical size
15–30 cm (max 60 cm)
Weight
0.3–1.5 kg (max 4 kg)
Depth range
0–70 m
Diet
small fish, crustaceans
Most active
cathemeral
Global range
Southern Australia and NZ (Sepioteuthis australis)

How to target: Southern Calamari angling strategies

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

  • squid jigs (size 2.5-3.5) cast over seagrass flats and twitched back to the boat
  • split-shotted squid jigs under a float at jetty lights at night
  • slow trolling jigs behind a dinghy in 3-8m over weed
  • dropping unweighted jigs through bait schools at dusk

Recent community catches: anglers who caught southern calamari

No southern calamari catches logged yet. Log one and you'll be recognised here.

Where to catch: southern calamari fishing spots in Australia

Tasmania1

More information: southern calamari references & sources

Log catch