Elongated, slender-bodied scaleless fish with a sharply-pointed snout. It appears transparent with a silvery mid-lateral stripe when at sea. Grey to blackish during spawning.

Large shoals of one-year-old whitebait spawn in spring after migration into rivers and estuaries. Eggs are deposited on the bottom and among debris. After hatching the 'fry' are swept out to sea, while the adults die.

At a glance

Habitat Coastal seas, estuaries and rivers.
Size Can grow to around 77mm
Origin Endemic
Distribution Found only in Tasmania and southern Victoria, Australia
Descriptions
Distribution
Found only in Tasmania and southern Victoria, Australia
Habitat
Coastal seas, estuaries and rivers.
Size
Can grow to around 77mm
Common Name Tasmanian Whitebait
Aliases Australian Whitebait, Whitebait, Derwent Smelt,
Origin Endemic
Conservation Least Concern
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Distribution and map

Distribution provided by The Atlas of Living Australia

Classification

Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
SubphylumVertebrata
SuperclassGnathostomata
ClassActinopterygii
SubclassEuteleostei
SuperorderProtacanthopterygii
OrderSalmoniformes
SuborderOsmeroidei
FamilyGalaxiidae
GenusLovettia
SpeciesLovettia sealii
Synonyms

Synonyms

There are no known synonyms for this species
References and dates
Original No original text available
Bibliography View page references
Added Wed 24 Mar 2021 @ 23:00 PM
Updated Sun 25 Sep 2022 @ 00:00 AM
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Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into trying to identify and ensure accurate identifications are made, and that the listed Descriptions, Sizes, Habitats and Distribution information is as accurate and valid as possible. Unfortunately, information in this arena is ever changing and as such no guarantee can be offered that it is correct or currently valid — the information is provided as a guide, and it is always suggested that you do a little research to ensure you have the latest and most accurate information. View the references or bibliography. Feedback and comments on the information provided are always welcome.