Tarwhine
Rhabdosargus sarba
Tarwhine (Rhabdosargus sarba) is a small seabream of estuaries, bays, and nearshore reefs, often seen around mangroves, seagrass, and sandy bottoms. It feeds on small crustaceans, mollusks, and worms and is a popular light-tackle target in parts of its range.
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Identification points
- Silvery body with a relatively deep, bream-like shape
- Distinct yellowish-golden stripe along the flanks in many adults
- Small mouth with stout molar-like teeth and a forked tail
Habitat
Coastal and estuarine waters, especially mangrove edges, seagrass beds, sandy channels, jetties, wharves, and shallow reef flats; commonly in brackish to fully marine conditions.
Bait notes
Small pieces of prawn, mussel, squid, marine worms, and yabbies work well; tiny soft plastics, ice jigs, and small baitfish imitations also take fish. Keep baits small and natural-looking.
Behavior
A schooling, bottom-foraging species that probes sediments for invertebrates and often feeds at dawn, dusk, and on moving tides. It can be wary in clear water and often holds near structure or soft-bottom feeding areas.
Caution
No major species-specific hazard is known; use standard caution around hooks and estuary snags. Check local regulations and size limits, as seabream-like coastal species may have area-specific rules.
Fishing notes
Use light line and small hooks, fish close to bottom on berley or a light sinker, and focus on tidal movement near estuary mouths, mangrove edges, and jetties. Gentle bites are common, so strike promptly but not aggressively.