Limited knowledge of fishery species’ life history and biology often contributes to poor management. Sustained levels of high fishing mortality have led to the depleted status of sand flathead (Platycephalus bassensis), Tasmania’s most popular recreational fish species. Consequently, alternative target species for recreational fishers are being promoted, including the common gurnard perch (Neosebastes scorpaenoides), which historically has not been heavily targeted by fishers. Currently, there is no biological information about N. scorpaenoides in Tasmania, providing a unique opportunity to study the biology and life history of N. scorpaenoides before it has been heavily exploited. We collected a total of 868 N. scorpaenoides from Northern Tasmania during monthly sampling from August 2023 to July 2024. Although females reached a larger total length than males (400 vs 345 mm), males attained a greater maximum age of 45 years compared to 37 years for females. We also explored sex-specific growth parameters and length-at-age data, to inform potential size and catch limits, and draw comparisons to a similar species in Western Australia. Determining the age and growth dynamics of N. scorpaenoides provides key life history information to inform future sustainable management of this species, as it becomes further exploited in recreational fisheries.