Polyethylene streamer tags (PST)

Hallprint's polyethylene streamer tags are extremely popular with researchers for a wide variety of finfish and crustaceans including especially prawns (shrimp), juvenile fish and lobster. A range of sizes are available with a variety of notch styles and sizes.

Hallprint pioneered a streamlined attachment of the disposable applicator needle to the tag to minimise the tag entry wound which is critical for tag retention and survival of delicate young fish and prawns. The standard needle length is now 58 mm (see on 2XW tag below) although the previous standard size of 38 mm (see on 2W tag below) is still available on request. Both needles are exactly the same gauge or diameter but most find the longer needles easier to use. Up to seven alphanumberic characters per "wing" may be used including sequential tag numbers.

Our streamer tags may be packaged in "snap lock" plastic bags in lots of 25 or 50 or for an extra fee they can be placed on folded cards ready for easy field application in sequential tag number order.

Application instructions for streamer tags

Ensure that the tags are kept in a dry airtight container to prevent any breakdown in the glue which holds the tag to the disposable applicator needle. Avoid excessive exposure to heat and light when in storage.

Pass the applicator needle through the desired tag location. This can vary substantially between species so contact Hallprint if you wish to discuss the best tag location for your species. For shrimps and clawed lobster the best location is considered to be abdominal segments 1-3. For juvenile fish it is either through the dorsal surface or mouth of the fish and for spiny lobster it is on the ventral surface of the abdomen.

Pull the applicator needle from the exit end until the notch in the streamer tag just covers the body part of the shrimp, lobster or fish with both “wings” clear of the animal. Then detach the needle from the tag by holding the needle between thumb and forefinger on one hand and the attached wing between thumb and forefinger on the opposite hand. Just “tweaking” the needle to remove it easily from the tag. The fish is now tagged and ready for release after the number is checked again.