Species
Venus Tuskfish
Choerodon venustus
Tier 3Eating10/10medium tackleNSWQLDWA
7 waypoints35–55 cm (max 70 cm) typical
Regulations
QLD30 cm min · bag 6
| State | Size | Bag |
|---|---|---|
| QLD | 30 cm min | 6 |
Closed: Coral Reef Finfish closures may apply | ||
Regulations change. Always verify with the relevant state fisheries authority before fishing.
Overview: about venus tuskfish
Subtropical and tropical reef fish of QLD and northern NSW, related to the WA baldchin groper. Targeted with bait over inshore and offshore reef in 10-60m. Excellent eating and a regular bycatch when chasing snapper, sweetlip and pearl perch on the east coast.
Biology: Venus Tuskfish size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Offshore, Reef
- Typical size
- 35–55 cm (max 70 cm)
- Weight
- 1–3 kg (max 6 kg)
- Depth range
- 10–100 m
- Diet
- crabs, urchins, molluscs
- Most active
- diurnal
- Global range
- Western Pacific subtropical reefs (Choerodon venustus)
How to target: Venus Tuskfish angling strategies
Generally fished with medium tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- fresh crab or squid baits on a paternoster over reef edges in 30-80m
- soft plastics worked slowly along rubble bottom
Safety & handling
Ciguatera risk: lowAvoid eating large specimens from tropical reefs. Risk varies by region and individual fish — when in doubt, release.
Powerful blue tusks — keep fingers clear of jaws.
Recent community catches: anglers who caught venus tuskfish
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Where to catch: venus tuskfish fishing spots in Australia
More information: venus tuskfish references & sources
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