Photo credits
Rolf Lawrenz CC BY 4.0 · Foto: N.Vėlavičienė CC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo by and (c)2007 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) GFDL 1.2 · Fir0002 GFDL 1.2
Dolomedes species
Fishing Spider Identification in Australia
Large long-legged spider often found near water, capable of moving across the water surface.
First aid / what to do now
- Move away from the spider and avoid handling it.
- Wash the bite area with soap and water.
- Use a cold pack for pain or swelling.
- Call 13 11 26 or seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, spreading, infected-looking, allergic, or you are unsure what bit you.
This site cannot diagnose a bite. In an emergency call 000. For poisoning advice in Australia call 13 11 26.
How to identify the Fishing spider
- Large long-legged hunter
- Near ponds, creeks or pools
- Can move on water surface
- Brown or grey patterning
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Check whether it was beside water or moving across the water surface.
When to seek medical help
Seek advice for severe or unexpected symptoms.
Where the Fishing spider is usually seen in Australia
Ponds, creeks, dams, pools, reeds and waterside vegetation.
How it differs from lookalikes
These comparisons are clues, not a confirmed species ID. Use several features together: body shape, size, location, web type and behaviour.
- Social huntsman spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether it was beside water or moving across the water surface. For the other possibility, check: Check for a flat body and bark habitat rather than a round-bodied web spider.
- Huntsman spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether it was beside water or moving across the water surface. For the other possibility, check: Check whether the legs spread sideways and the body is flattened rather than round or chunky.
- Wolf spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check whether it was beside water or moving across the water surface. For the other possibility, check: Check whether it was running on the ground rather than waiting in a web.
Common comparisons
People often compare this spider with similar Australian spiders. These quick links help you check the closest alternatives.
Compare this spider by state
Use the state guides to compare this spider with other local possibilities.
Similar spiders to compare
Compare this spider with these likely lookalikes before settling on an identification.
Social huntsman spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Huntsman spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Wolf spiderPainful but usually not life-threateningsame region, similar size, similar colour
Nursery web spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Fishing spider is only one possible match. They help compare photo clues, local spider pages, bite guidance and similar Australian spiders.
Reference notes
How this guide stays cautious
Spider Identifier Australia uses visible clues to suggest likely possibilities. It is not a medical diagnosis or a formal species determination.
- Australian Museum spider informationAustralian spider identification, biology and dangerous spider context.
- Australian Museum funnel-web spidersFunnel-web range, identification and bite-safety context.
- Poisons Information CentreCall 13 11 26 for poisons advice from anywhere in Australia.
Common questions
Fishing spider FAQ
Is the Fishing spider dangerous?
Danger level: Usually low risk. Seek advice for severe or unexpected symptoms.
How do I identify the Fishing spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Large long-legged hunter; Near ponds, creeks or pools; Can move on water surface; Brown or grey patterning.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Fishing spider?
Clean the area, use a cold pack for pain, and seek medical advice if pain is severe, symptoms spread, infection signs appear, or you are unsure what bit you.
Where is the Fishing spider usually found?
Ponds, creeks, dams, pools, reeds and waterside vegetation.
What spiders look similar to the Fishing spider?
Common lookalikes can overlap in colour, size, web type or habitat. Use the similar spiders and common comparisons on this page to check alternatives before settling on a match.
Can I identify the Fishing spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Fishing spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.