WA fish Guide
Discover the Freshest Seafood from Western Australia
Western Australia’s vast coastline is home to some of the cleanest and most diverse marine environments in the world.
From the deep, cool waters of the south to the warm, tropical oceans of the north, WA offers an incredible variety of premium quality fish.
This guide helps you learn where WA fish come from, what they taste like, and the best ways to enjoy them, just like we prepare them at Redfish.
Goldband Snapper
Goldband Snapper is a premium deep water species caught in northern Western Australia, especially around the Pilbara and Kimberley regions. It has firm, moist white flesh with a naturally sweet, clean flavour. Known for its high quality and versatility, Goldband Snapper is excellent grilled, pan fried or baked a favourite choice for those who enjoy premium WA seafood.
Pink Snapper
Pink Snapper is one of WA’s most popular local fish, found along the entire coastline from shallow reefs in the south-west to deeper offshore waters in the north. It has a clean, slightly sweet flavour with firm, moist white flesh. Pink Snapper is versatile and tastes great grilled, baked whole, pan-fried, or lightly battered. Its balanced flavour and texture make it a favourite choice at Redfish Grill.
Dhufish
Dhufish is Western Australia’s most iconic and prized fish, found mainly along the west coast from Kalbarri to Augusta. It has firm, white, pearly flesh with a clean, delicate flavour that’s perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-frying. Known for its exceptional eating quality, Dhufish is one of WA’s premium local catches and a favourite choice for seafood lovers at Redfish Grill.
Red Emperor
Red Emperor is a premium tropical fish found in northern Western Australia, especially around Broome, Pilbara and Kimberley reef systems. It has firm, white, flaky flesh with a naturally sweet, mild flavour. Highly valued for its clean taste and beautiful texture, Red Emperor is excellent grilled, baked, or pan-fried. It’s considered one of WA’s top-quality local fish and a favourite among seafood lovers.
Baldchin Groper
Baldchin Groper is a highly prized West Australian species, commonly caught along the warm reefs of the Mid-West and north of Perth. It has firm, white flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavour and a clean finish. The texture holds well when grilled, pan-fried or baked, making it a favourite among WA seafood lovers. Its premium quality and excellent eating characteristics place it among WA’s top local fish.
Redfish(Nannygai)
Nannygai is a popular reef fish found in northern Western Australia, especially around the Kimberley and Pilbara regions. It has firm, white flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavour and fine flakes that hold well when cooked. Nannygai is excellent grilled, pan-fried or baked, and is loved for its clean taste and consistent quality a favourite among WA reef species.
Coral Trout
Coral Trout is a premium reef fish found in the warm northern waters of Western Australia, especially around the Kimberley, Pilbara, and offshore coral reef systems. It has firm, white, delicate flesh with a clean, naturally sweet flavour. Highly valued for its exceptional eating quality, Coral Trout is excellent grilled, steamed, or pan-fried, and is considered one of WA’s finest reef species.
Pearl Perch
Pearl Perch is a high quality reef fish found in the offshore waters of Western Australia. It has firm, white flesh with a mild, clean flavour and a slightly buttery finish. Known for its excellent cooking versatility, Pearl Perch tastes great grilled, pan-fried, or baked. Its smooth texture and refined flavour make it a favourite among chefs and seafood lovers.
Breaksea Cod
Breaksea Cod is a premium West Australian species commonly found along the south-west coast, especially around deep reefs and rocky bottoms. It has firm, white, flaky flesh with a mild, clean flavour and a slightly buttery finish. Breaksea Cod cooks beautifully when grilled, pan-fried or baked, and is valued for its delicate taste and excellent texture making it one of WA’s standout local reef fish.
Rankin Cod
Rankin Cod is a prized reef species found throughout Western Australia’s northern waters, especially around the Pilbara and offshore coral reef systems. It has firm, white flesh with a mild, clean flavour and a slightly sweet finish. Rankin Cod holds its shape well when cooked, making it excellent for grilling, baking, or pan-frying. Its consistent quality and refined taste make it a popular premium choice among WA reef fish.
Blue Groper
Blue Groper is a popular coastal reef species found along Western Australia’s southern and south-west coastline. It has firm, white flesh with a mild, clean flavour and a slightly sweet finish. Known for its excellent texture and versatility, Blue Groper cooks beautifully when grilled, baked, or pan-fried. Its balanced flavour and quality make it a favourite choice among WA seafood lovers.
Barramundi
Barramundi is one of Australia’s most iconic fish, found in northern WA’s warm coastal waters and river estuaries. It has moist, white flesh with a mild, buttery flavour and large, tender flakes. Barramundi is excellent grilled, pan-fried, baked, or steamed, making it one of the most versatile and popular fish across Australia. Its clean taste and smooth texture make it a favourite for both home cooking and restaurant dishes.
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna is a fast-swimming pelagic species found in the warm offshore waters of Western Australia. It has firm, deep-red flesh with a clean, rich flavour and a naturally meaty texture. Excellent for sashimi, searing, grilling, or poke bowls, Yellowfin Tuna is prized for its freshness, versatility, and premium eating quality a favourite among tuna lovers.
Bigeye Tuna
Bigeye Tuna is a premium pelagic species found in the deep offshore waters of Western Australia. It has rich, deep-red flesh with a bold, clean flavour and high natural oil content, giving it a buttery texture similar to top-grade sashimi tuna. Bigeye Tuna is perfect for sashimi, searing, grilling, or poke bowls, and is highly valued for its exceptional taste, colour, and quality.
Swordfish
Swordfish is a powerful pelagic species found in the deeper offshore waters of Western Australia. It has firm, meaty white flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavour, making it perfect for grilling, pan searing, or steaks. Because of its dense texture and clean taste, Swordfish is often compared to premium tuna and is highly valued for hearty, steak-like cuts that hold up beautifully on the grill.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel is a prized pelagic species found along Western Australia’s northern and mid-west coastline, especially around the Pilbara, Kimberley, and offshore reefs. It has firm, white flesh with a rich, clean flavour and just the right amount of natural oils. Excellent for grilling, barbecuing, sashimi, or pan-frying, Spanish Mackerel delivers bold taste and great texture making it one of WA’s most sought-after premium fish.
Mahi Mahi
Mahi Mahi is a colourful, fast-swimming pelagic fish found in the warm offshore waters of Western Australia, particularly around the Pilbara and Kimberley regions. It has firm, lean white flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavour and large, moist flakes. Highly versatile and perfect for grilling, pan-frying, or tacos, Mahi Mahi is loved for its fresh, clean taste and excellent cooking qualities.
ORA King Salmon(NZ)
ORA King Salmon is a premium, sustainably raised salmon renowned for its rich flavour and exceptional quality. With deep orange flesh, high natural oil content, and a buttery, melt in your mouth texture, it’s often called the “Wagyu of the Sea.” ORA King Salmon cooks beautifully whether grilled, pan-seared, smoked, or served raw as sashimi, offering a clean, luxurious finish in every bite.
Gummy Shark
Gummy Shark is a clean, boneless whitefish commonly caught in southern Western Australia, especially around Albany and the South Coast. It has a mild flavour with firm, smooth flesh and absolutely no strong “sharky” taste, making it perfect for frying, grilling or crumbed fish dishes. Gummy Shark is known for its soft texture and consistent quality, making it a popular choice for premium fish & chips.
Whiting
Whiting is a delicate, sweet-flavoured whitefish found along Western Australia’s southern and south-west coastline. It has soft, fine flakes and a mild taste, making it perfect for light frying, grilling or crumbed fillets. Known for its clean flavour and tender texture, Whiting is a favourite choice for classic fish & chips and simple, fresh seafood dishes.
Flathead
Flathead is a popular coastal fish found across southern and south west Western Australia. It has mild, slightly sweet white flesh with a soft, flaky texture that cooks beautifully when grilled, pan-fried or lightly battered. Known for its clean taste and versatility, Flathead is a favourite choice for fish & chips and simple, fresh seafood dishes.
Wahoo
Wahoo is a fast, powerful pelagic species found in Western Australia’s warm northern offshore waters. It has firm, white flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavour and large, flaky texture. Excellent for grilling, searing, or sashimi-style dishes, Wahoo is prized for its clean taste and versatility.
Samsonfish
Samsonfish is a strong, deep-water species found along WA’s west coast, especially around Perth and Rottnest. It has firm, meaty white flesh with a clean, mild flavour. Best enjoyed grilled, baked, or pan-fried, Samsonfish holds its shape well and delivers a satisfying, hearty seafood texture.
Amberjack
Amberjack is a high-quality pelagic fish found in offshore WA waters. It has firm, pale flesh with a mild flavour and a slightly buttery finish. Great for grilling, searing, or sashimi, Amberjack is valued for its meaty texture and clean ocean taste.
Marlin
Marlin is a powerful pelagic species found in Western Australia’s deep offshore waters. It has firm, steak-like flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavour. Marlin is excellent grilled, smoked, or seared, and is prized for its dense texture and bold seafood profile.
Dory (John Dory / Mirror Dory)
Dory is a premium whitefish caught in the deeper offshore waters of Western Australia. It has very soft, delicate white flesh with a clean, mild flavour and fine flakes that cook beautifully. Known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture, Dory is excellent pan-fried, grilled, or gently baked. Its light, refined taste makes it a popular choice for high-quality seafood dishes.
Flounder
Flounder is a popular flatfish found along Western Australia’s coastal shallows, estuaries, and sandy bottoms. It has delicate, mild white flesh with a soft, flaky texture that cooks beautifully when grilled, pan-fried, or baked whole. Flounder’s clean, subtle flavour makes it ideal for simple, fresh seafood dishes and a favourite choice among WA coastal fish species.
Crayfish (Western Rock Lobster)
Western Rock Lobster, often called WA Crayfish, is one of Western Australia’s most iconic and premium seafood species, caught mainly along the Mid-West and Geraldton coast. It has sweet, firm, white meat with a rich, delicate flavour that shines when grilled, steamed, or served with garlic butter. Known for its exceptional quality, WA Crayfish is prized worldwide and considered one of the finest lobsters available.
Tiger Prawn
Tiger Prawns are a premium West Australian prawn species, commonly caught along the state’s north-west coast, especially around Exmouth and Shark Bay. They have firm, juicy flesh with a sweet, rich flavour and a vibrant natural colour. Excellent for grilling, pan-frying, barbecuing, or tossing into salads and pasta, Tiger Prawns are prized for their quality, size and clean, ocean-fresh taste.
Marron
Marron is Western Australia’s premium freshwater crayfish, found in the clean rivers and dams of the South West region. It has sweet, delicate white flesh with a smooth, tender texture similar to lobster but milder in flavour. Marron is excellent grilled, baked, or served with garlic butter or light sauces. Highly prized for its refined taste and quality, Marron is considered one of WA’s finest local delicacies.
Blue Swimmer Crab
Blue Swimmer Crab is a popular West Australian species found along the state’s south-west and estuary waters, especially around Mandurah and Peel Inlet. It has sweet, delicate white meat with a clean, mild flavour. The flesh is soft yet holds well in dishes, making it excellent for steaming, chilli crab, pasta, or fresh salads. Known for its freshness and subtle sweetness, Blue Swimmer Crab is one of WA’s favourite local seafoods.
Scallops
Scallops from Western Australia are known for their sweet, delicate flavour and tender, buttery texture. Commonly caught along WA’s north-west and south-west coasts, they are excellent when seared, grilled, or served fresh in seafood dishes. Their naturally mild sweetness and soft, silky flesh make WA Scallops a premium choice for both simple and gourmet cooking.
Octopus
Octopus from Western Australia is known for its exceptional quality, especially those caught along the south-west coast and around Fremantle. WA octopus has tender, sweet, and clean-tasting flesh with a naturally firm texture that becomes perfectly soft when cooked properly. It’s excellent grilled, charred, marinated, or slow-cooked, making it a versatile favourite in Mediterranean and Asian-style dishes.
Cuttlefish
Cuttlefish is commonly found along Western Australia’s south-west and southern coastline. It has tender, slightly sweet flesh with a firm but smooth texture that becomes beautifully soft when cooked properly. Cuttlefish is excellent grilled, stir-fried, or served as tender strips in seafood dishes. Its clean flavour and versatility make it a popular choice for both Asian and Mediterranean style cooking.
Skate
Skate is a mild flavoured species commonly found along Western Australia’s southern and offshore coastal waters. It has soft, delicate white flesh with a clean, subtle taste. When cooked properly, Skate has a smooth, slightly stringy texture that works well grilled, pan fried, or lightly poached. Its gentle flavour makes it suitable for both simple fish dishes and more refined seafood recipes.
