CLEANER FISH WEAR 'UNIFORMS' TO ADVERTISE, AVOID DANGER

Like police and nurses, cleaner fish on coral reefs wear uniforms to signal their "professions"—a tactic that also helps the fish avoid being eaten by their clients, a new study says.

Several species of small reef fish are known to invite larger fish to
stop by "cleaning stations," where the cleaners groom their customers
and pick them free of parasites.

The clients swim away spic-and-span, and the cleaners get an easy meal: "a classic example" of a mutually beneficial relationship, the researchers write.

However, scientists have long wondered how bigger, fish-eating clients find cleaners and apparently recognize that the smaller fish are off the menu.

Karen Cheney and colleagues decided to test the theory that the cleaners' colors and body patterns are what set the fish apart.

Her team found that cleaner fish—such as gobies and wrasses—are more likely to sport a dark side stripe accentuated by patches of blue and yellow.

"We believe that they do exhibit a 'cleaner uniform' in order to make them conspicuous and easy to distinguish on a coral reef," Cheney, a biologist at the University of Queensland in Australia, said by email.

Cheney and colleagues observed the behavior of several species of wild fish known to visit the cleaners at a site in the Great Barrier Reef.

The team then added fake fish, which had been painted with a range of colors and patterns, to the reef.

The researchers found that fish painted with blue colors and striped body patterns enticed more clients to pull up to a cleaning station.

The team also used a well-known model for how fish see colors to examine how three types of client fish—barracuda, damselfish, and surgeonfish—were likely to respond to various hues.

Though each fish species has a different kind of visual system, for all of them blue would contrast most against the colors of coral reefs.

Yellow would best stand out against blue water backdrops and dark lateral stripes, the authors wrote.

This would make a blue-and-yellow striped fish very obvious to clients as they passed by a reef.

Though no one knows for sure, Cheney said her new study implies that the fish's cleaning behavior evolved before the uniform.

The blue-and-yellow patterns possibly became more common over time as fish flashing those colors attracted more clients.

I have just been talking to a mate who has just returned from his Jurien Bay holiday and he questioned about the antics of some of the youngish locals who were bragging about how they were cleaning up day after day on jewfish and snapper and that he had to call his mates to meet him behind the island in their boats to share out his catch before returning to the ramp and not get caught by the fisho inspectors, unfortunately he couldnt get any boat or car details so i have passed on the information to the local inspectors in hope they may put the picture together and catch up with them. 

1) Which PE line is everyone using for sambo jigging this year?

-Shimano is all about 'PowerPro' both in and outside Japan.  Has anyone used it yet?

-Any tried and tested PE lines you have and are using?

2) I need a fresh spool of PE for my Spheros 14000FA. 

-Can I go up to 80lb so I don't keep losing jigs due to line rubbing from other fisho's on a charter?

3) Which PE line would you recommend for my Stella 4000 for inshore light jigging?

Thanks for any info,

Dasho

anyone heading out sunday?

looks windy...what do you guys reckon??  planning to do some jigging..

hi guys does anyone know any good landbased squidding spots? ive gone to the cut and done alright and i also went to north mole but only got one .

also when is best to target them ? morning or night

Hi Guys whats the best burley for snapper, dhuies and kG's for fishing on/around the 3 mile

TIA

Hi can anyone tell me the size limits on sharks and whats protected and not or where to find this out ive seached but cant find anythin straight forward . Cos heard someone sayin that cant be over a certain lenght or weight like round 40kgs anything would be good cheers

Hey guys i was just wondering if anybody can help me with some mandurah knowledge.. im heading there this wk end and was wondering if there are any good general knowledge spots close to shore and if there is sambo jigging out of mandurah anywhere thanx guys any info would be much appreciated

has any one used jerry brown braid? if so how is it
any feed back would be great

ewwwww ;)
Thought I might try for some tasty Hezzbolars in the morning.
If I don't hurl first, am going to try and use maggots for bait.

Because they are so tiny, do I use the smallest hook possible, or just put lots of them on the norm herring rig?

hey all i saw a penn slam 260 today has any one got one they look like they can hold a bit of line on the reel looks realy nice for light gear fishing. any way they have one left for 170 in a combo with a penn rod should i get it help would be cool if someone has had experiance with thes reels

Well I suppose its typical off the weather up here at the moment but I seem to have dragged the strong winds with me from Perth, not looking like letting up till mid next week, will have to go shore based I think !!!!!

Which reminds me a question for Ads or others who live up here which weather site do you use to get the latest info ??????

Ps carnage for day one includes me = broken rod and sharks 1 up . DAMN sharks although did manage to hook him on a 7inch soft plastic which I though was different !!!!

Cheers fishfish... 

im fed up off going down to long point beach and not catching anythink apart from trumpeter theres whiting there but they dont take bait what do i do grrr sorry im having a little oment i wanted to share to every one on fw i go fishing alot all land base sometimes on mates boat but i want to start catching land base fish around south metro area has any one got any ideas or can anyone help. i have already go a shit load of tailor and im not after sting rays lol would be good if anyone could help out

After months of nagging I took my G-Daughter for her first fish today. Armed with a little pink rod with a very light patanoster, a bag of corel prawns and some burley we stepped onto the platform inside the marina rock wall. Burley immediatly attracted this HUGE school of blowies. Lucy was excited by this but it didn't take her long to understand that these critters are bloody pests.

In just under an hour of messing around we managed a total of 4 baby Whiting, 3 baby Trumpeters, 2 baby Snapper and countless Blowies. I was quite suprised to see the bread and butter babies challenging the Blowies for a feed. I was also very pleased to see such a diverse range of babies. The marina is obviously in very good shape.

The Liberal-National Government has set aside a record $1.85million for the development of local recreational boating facilities in Western Australia.

In calling for submissions for funding from round 15 of the successful Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme (RBFS), Transport Minister Simon O'Brien said there had been an increase of $150,000 in the funding available last year.

“The RBFS is important in providing funding for new or improved facilities which benefit recreational boat users,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Eligible authorities may also apply for planning grants which result in detailed plans, cost estimates, approvals or similar for recreational boating facilities.

“Recreational boat owners with a proposal to improve or create public boating facilities should approach their local authority to discuss an application.”

The Minister said boat owners helped to improve facilities because the RBFS was funded from boat registration fees.

“The RBFS provides recreational boaters access to upgraded ramps, jetties and amenities such as trailer parking and waste facilities in locations along the coast and on inland waterways,” he said.

“Boating is an incredibly popular activity in WA and the RBFS assists by helping authorities provide infrastructure to meet the growing demand.”

Since 1998, the RBFS has allocated nearly $9.3million to more than 200 projects across WA.

Mr O'Brien said following a review of the guidelines, eligible authorities were able to apply for more funding for projects worth $120,000 or more. However, grants remain capped at a value of $500,000.

“For projects worth less than $120,000, the funding ratio is still 75 per cent of the cost,” he said.

Applications for the latest round of funding are due by March 30, 2010. Application forms and further information about the RBFS are available at http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/rbfs or by contacting the RBFS Officer on 9216 8917.

(Sorry this is a few weeks old - but there is still time to enter the competition. I can see the line the "Barra swallowed the mullet down its gullet" being used a fair bit).

Tourism NT has teamed up with the ABC Local Radio program ‘Tales from the Tinny’ to promote the Territory as the ultimate fishing destination in Australia, through a national fishing competition over the next two months.

Minister for Tourism, Malarndirri McCarthy, said 60,000 interstate visitors take a fishing trip in the Territory each year, and by contributing this fishing trip prize for this national competition Tourism NT are marketing directly to their target audience.

“The Tinny boys are terrific ambassadors for the unrivalled fishing adventures in the Territory and this is a great opportunity to promote the holidays we have on offer,” Ms McCarthy said.

“Since 2006 Tales from the Tinny has grown in popularity amongst fishing enthusiasts to the point where in September the program began broadcasting nationally.

“From today, listeners from all over Australia will tune into the program each week, where they will be offered the opportunity to win a three day guided sports fishing adventure for two on the Tiwi Islands.

“This is a great opportunity to promote fishing holidays to the Territory, especially through the Australia Summer Test Cricket season when the competition will be cross-promoted during the New Years Test Match starting January 3.

“We know that nine per cent of all our interstate visitors participate in fishing activities when they come to the Territory and these people usually stay for longer than the average interstate visitor, accounting for a total of 678,000 nights per year,” Ms McCarthy said.

Tourism NT consumer travel website and ABC Local Radio websites will both link listeners through to the competition entry form. The competition will also be promoted through each State and Territory’s e-newsletter to all ABC Local Radio listeners on each State’s database, linking back to travelnt.com

To enter, listeners must compose a poem, song or ditty using the word MULLET and upload it in video or audio form at www.travelnt.com.

The competition will run from today until 13 February 2010, in conjunction with the national Tales from the Tinny program on ABC Local Radio airing at 6.30pm every Saturday evening or any time via podcast or video at abc.net.au/tinny.

Media Contact: Nicole Manison 0448 693 279

Related files:
MMcCarthy.181209.Tales from the Tinny.pdf ( 312.92 kb )

The NT Minister for Fisheries, Kon Vatskalis, is reminding recreational anglers that changes to the Northern Territory fish possession limits take effect from Friday 1 January

“Recreational fishing is a major part of our great Territory lifestyle and an important contributor to our economy; however we must ensure that our fish stocks are properly managed,” Minister Vatskalis said.

“These changes will ensure that anglers continue to experience first class fishing opportunities now and into the future by protecting the long term sustainability of fish stocks.”

From January 1st the changes to recreational fishing possession bag limits are:

· Black jewfish from five to two

· Spanish mackerel from five to two

· A new possession limit of 30 cherabin and/or red claw yabbies

· The introduction of a boat limit of 10 freshwater pots per vessel (when two or more people are on board)

· A requirement for turtle excluder rings in freshwater pots

· A possession limit of three sharks of any species, including a prohibition on the take of sawfish

· A prohibition on the recreational take of giant clams

The changes were announced in early 2009 after extensive public consultation with recreational anglers.

More information on the changes to possession limits can be found by visiting

www.nt.gov.au/d/Fisheries

Fisheries Minister Kon Vatskalis today announced that the NT Government has bought back its fourth commercial barramundi licence as part of its election commitment to purchase fishing licences.

The Government also announced today the closure of Bynoe Harbour and the Finniss River to commercial barramundi fishing.

“Recreational fishing is an important part of the Territory lifestyle and I’m pleased to announce that the Territory Government has successfully negotiated the purchase of the fourth commercial barramundi licence through a voluntary Buy-Back Scheme,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“The Territory Government recognises the importance of recreational fishing which is why we called for public comments on the possibility of closing Bynoe Harbour and the Finniss River to commercial barramundi fishing.

“Over 200 submissions were received during this process which indicates the level of interest in our fisheries.

“After considering the public comments and feedback from stakeholders, the Territory Government has taken the decision to close Bynoe Harbour and the Finniss River to commercial barramundi fishing.”

The areas affected include all of Bynoe Harbour and the outer islands, as well as the Finniss River.

“In making these changes we have also taken the opportunity to re-align the closure lines for Darwin Harbour and Shoal Bay, with the closure line now travelling directly from Charles Point to Gunn Point,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“The closures will effectively reallocate the barramundi resource in these areas to recreational fishermen, fishing tour operators and the Indigenous sectors and will enhance the fishing experience in the area.”

These changes take effect on the opening of the commercial barramundi season on February 1st, 2010.

Contact: Maria Billias 0401 119 746

With the weather looking the goods decided to head out for a fish yesterday. Reached the first spot at about 7am to find good fish showing on the sounder. First drop and i was on to a solid fish. A few minutes later had a Dhuy of around 13kg on board. Decided to move on after this fish. Dont like hammering the same spot to much. Next destination was to some ground further out. After a bit of searching found some more fish on some broken ground. My mate Gav managed to hook into something huge. After about 10 minutes he hadnt managed to get the fish off the bottom and was busted off. Showed signs off a big Dhuy. Next drift I hooked up to something solid again only to loose the fish from a hook staightening. Things seem to go quite after this so we decided to try one more spot further north before heading in. After a couple of drifts on the new spot without much luck and the wind picking up it was time to head home. Just as I was about to start the donk the sounder was showing 5 solid balls on the bottom.(Love my Koden) Dhuys. Straight back down and Gav was on. Minutes later Gav had landed a solid fish of around 16.5kg. Now it was definately time to head home.

Cheers

Brendan

G'day everyone,

Semi-experienced fisher but first post! Done a number of charters with Bluejuice/Mills/Port Bouvard Charters, but really keen on getting into some tailor! Went up to Wilbinga off Wanneroo Rd in the 4wd for some late night early morning stuff on the weekend and got into 1 tailor and about a dozen herring. Mate busted off a nice size shovel nosed shark in the dark!

Have done a lot of fishing around the hillarys rock walls using very light gear, with nothing other than a bag of nice sand whiting for the barbie. Looking to get out early saturday morning pending conditions, was wondering if anyone had any advice regarding where/if any, are the gutters off the north wall near the disabled jetty? Or am i best instructed to cast into the SW from AQWA, or from the beach?

Rako

 Hey guys,

 I am looking for a reel to jig out deep 250m +  It seems to be a toss up between the shimano 20000sw or the dawia extreme 6500

what do you guys jig with ?

hi guys

went for a fish this morning in the stretch between cannning bridge and mt henry with no luck.

we saw a few bream near the rowing club but they wouldnt take my vibs and sx40's

we made our way around to rookwood jetty to find heaps of good size bream

again we flick vibs and sx40s at them and they wouldnt take them!

my mate was flicking some gulps at them but they wouldnt take that either.

how can i make them bite? is it possible or am I flogging a dead horse?

ps:bream are really frustrating

we are looking at buying a new motor for our 6.55mt after ours blew up.

what would be the best 4st or 2st to get.

we would be looking at min 200h/p,  if we buy new i would prefer a 4stoke!

it would be good to hear from people that are running these motors now and to know what are the good or the bad things about them.

cheers

p.s still crying over the blown one $$$$$$

looking at purchasing a bunch of metal slices for tailor but im not sure which pattern to go for. do i go for the classic slice shape (eg. Halco Sliced), a curved shape (eg. Halco Twisty) or a shape with bubble holes in them (eg. Halco Streaker)? what's everyone's experience with those shapes?

hey all i'm new to this site and fishing really,, lived away from the ocean and haven't really gone fishing much.. I'm going to mandurah in a few weeks on a fishing trip staying in san remo and was wondering if anyone could give me help or tips on fishing..eg spots, baits etc. any help would be appreciated!! :D

cheers

bangaz

hello people.

I was so Bored this morning i decided to go for a fish. i got my gear ready and off i went this time i took the camera for maybe a picture to go into the comp.

i went for 4 hours and got 4 fish X) It started of very.. slow where i kept on bringing in weed. finally i nibble so i jump up to my feet and grabbed it gently i felt these small bites then i jerked back and set the hook. after quite a little fight i caught about a >25cm King George whiting my first and a PB! it was about another 30 mins and i was ready to move to another spot when i was reeling in i got a big whack! and then i felt no movement what so ever i thought to my self hmm  another  piece of weed well i was wrong i never knew seaweed swam away from rocks. as my fish was next to the rocks it tried to bail but i just lifted it up :) and there it was my !first ever! Flounder! it came just under >30cm. i was stoked trembling to get the camera this time not just letting it go like the KG *ching* *ching* a couple of pics then i let it go back and swim to fight another day now i was pumped. about hour later i was feeling bored again very bored casted a piece of squid into the wind and it carried it out. soon is it hit the bottom nibble nibble i jerk back and set the hook again i thought it was another KG but it was a Sand whiting. now i was waiting my whole life for another bite it all went so quite and i was really giving up. i thought just a little longer and then a VERY small nibble nibble and then my reels drag went ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzz  so i tightened up and i was fighting something very! powerful i didn't even know what it was and it was going everywhere literally my rod tip was nearly touching my reel as it is light action and about 5 mins it was landed a nice FIRST EVER Skippy which sets a very impressive PB i estimate just around 1.5kg it was a good fish fought super hard and a couple of times it went under the rocks and i was so nervous that me braid would just slice on the rocks but it didn't. i got 1 picture of it as i didn't want it out off water long so i quickly unhooked and watch it dart off (the picture really does not show the actual size of it Swear in my life)... and that was me for the day i packed up with a huge smile on my face and went home now I'm ready for another trip to the Light House and share another story with FW members.

Thanks if you could please put these 2 fish (if it is allowed) into the 13 & Under Fishwrecked Junior competition.

I really hope that i can go again some time!!!!

gday just wondering what tv show does every one like out of i fish or  fishing w.a and reasons why

i like fishing w.a only because its w.a fishing and i can steal their spots haha just joking na both good just rather something around my area