(Top to bottom) TBF-1 tag, TBA-1 tag and TBA-2 tag - For scale, yellow marker on TBA-2 tags is 30 mm.

Please note that both exposed filament length and marker length can easily be varied to suit your custom requirements.

T-Bar tags - convenient, cost effective and popular

Hallprint's range of T-bar anchor tags are without doubt the most popular tag types produced by Hallprint. They represent a generational improvement in fish tag design with a single moulded construction that has a protective outer sheath around the coloured and individually numbered marker.

T-bar tags are popular on fish, crustacea and even some shellfish species where large numbers of fish may need to be tagged in a short space of time and/or holding time is critical for fish survival.

T-bar anchor tags are available in a wide range of colours in both fine anchor (TBF) and standard anchor (TBA) versions, and may be produced with either one line of print (TBF-1 and TBA-1) or two lines of print (TBF-2 and TBA-2). Please note that both exposed filament length and marker length can easily be varied on all T-Bar tag types to suit your custom requirements (see below). We are also able to custom print in numerous languages (subject to font provison) for no additional charge. 

As a general rule only, fine anchor tags (type TBF) are suitable for most finfish and crustaceans according to the following optimal size ranges -

* Finfish (between dorsal or anal fin rays) 15 cm TL - 30 cm TL
* Rock lobster (through moult suture) 3 cm CL - 6 cm CL
* Crabs (through moult suture) 4 cm CW - 7 cm CW

Standard anchor tags (type TBA) are suitable for most finfish and crustaceans according to the following optimal size ranges -

* Finfish 20 cm TL - 50 cm TL
* Rock lobster 6 cm TL to max. size
* Crabs 7 cm CL to maximum size

Average marker length is around 20 mm for TBF tags and 30 mm for TBA tags but can vary from around 12 mm to around 40 mm for TBF tags and from around 12 mm to 60 mm for TBA tags. The length of exposed filament is normally around 15 mm for TBF tags and 20 mm for TBA tags.  Exposed filament lengths of between 10 mm and 40 mm are possible for both tag types. Please ensure that both the exposed filament length and the marker length preferred are provided when requesting quotations or ordering tags.

For details on using and looking after these tags contact David Hall at davidhall@chariot.net.au

A demonstration of the procedure for tagging finfish with type TBA tags can be seen by clicking on the photo below -

Double or even treble colour coded tags are now possible at additional cost allowing a range of colour coded options for underwater viewing or batch marking.

T-Bar tagging guns

Hallprint supplies and recommends only two tagging guns for use with fne anchor T-bar tags and standard anchor T-bar tags respectively. These are the Avery Dennison 10312 fine fabric tag applicator for fine anchor or TBF tags and the 08958 "Tagfast III" tag applicator for standard anchor or TBA tags. While cheaper applicators are available on the market that will work with these tag types, the models mentioned have demonstrated the best track record in terms of functioning wthout failiure in the marine environment.

Instructions on using and caring for these applicators are provided below.

Fine anchor T-Bar (TBF) tagging guns - Dennison 10312

Standard anchor T-Bar (TBA) tagging guns - Dennison 08958 Tagfast III

TBA cartridge (50 tags) ready for loading into gun

Tagging lobster with TBA tags and 08958 gun

Dr Shelly Tallack applying standard anchor T-Bar (type TBA) tags to cod as part of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute's cooperative tagging program.

A double tagged cod showing the correct tag location for finfish (photo from Dr S. Tallack, GMRI)