Yellowfin Bream

Acanthopagrus Australis
Yellow Bream - Marinewise © 2024 MarineWise

Quick Facts

Scientific name Acanthopagrus Australis
Other names Australian Seabream, Black Bream, Bream, Common Bream, Eastern Black Bream, Sea Bream, Silver Bream, Surf Bream
Size Up to 66cm (25.9 in)
Weight Up to 4.5 kg (9.9 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Coastal waters, brackish waters, bays, estuaries, harbours, coastal rivers, inshore reefs, seagrass areas, mangroves & sandy areas
Depth Range
Yellowfin Bream Distribution

Interesting Info

  • Yellowfin Bream are a schooling fish, endemic to the east coast of Australia.
  • These bream are often confused with Black Bream and can be distinguished by a higher snout, yellow pelvic and anal fins.
  • They are opportunistic carnivores, feeding on smaller fish, crabs, worms & prawns.
  • Estimates of lifespan are up to 20 years, with the average between 3 to 8 years.
  • After spawning season, a proportion of the population change from male to female (protandry).
  • Fish colour can change depending on habitat. Those in brackish to freshwater tend to be more bronze or brownish in colour whilst those in saltier areas are silver.
  • The main predators of Yellowfin Bream include sharks and larger predatory fish.
Species Interaction

Commercial & Recreational Fishing

Yellowfin Bream are a highly targeted sports fish, excellent for the novice to the more experienced. They can be targeted from shore or boat and are abundant on the east coast of Australia from Queensland down to Victoria. The fish do have some commercial relevance being caught in various nets and traps across QLD, NSW & VIC. It is estimated that more fish are taken recreationally each year than commercially.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Perciformes

Family: Sparidae

Genus: Acanthopagrus

Species: Acanthopagrus australis

Conservation Status

Based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Yellowfin Bream are currently categorised as “Least Concern”(LC).

LC is a lowest risk category on the scale for risk with “Extinct”(EX) being the highest.

Fish Taste Quality

Yellowfin Bream are a great table fish cooked as fillets or whole.

Taste Rating: 4/5

How to catch
Yellowfin Bream

Catch Difficulty: Intermediate

Tackle: Patternoster Rig, Running Sinker Rig

Bait: Bread, Crab, Fresh cut flesh baits, Lures, Bait jig, Pilchards, Prawns, Squid, Worms, Yabbies, Soft plastics

Technique: Keep bait close to the reef/structure, Cast lures close to structure

Popularity: Highly Targeted