Fillet size:
100 - 300g

Whole size
0.6 - 2kg

One of the most popular eating fish in New Zealand.

Identifying features:  Uniform sides, silvery grey on top and whitish below. There is a prominent dark band across the shoulder area.  A small protractile mouth with thick lips.  The dorsal fin has 17-18 spines with 25-28 soft rays and the anal fin has 3 spines with 8-9 rays.

Comparison:  Two similar species that resemble the Tarakihi, the King Tarakihi which is slightly larger and doesn't have that prominent dark band and the Porae with even more prominent lips.

Fillets:  White flesh of medium to firm texture.  Suitable for most cooking methods.

Habitat:  Demersal on the continental shelf and the upper slope to at least 250 meters.  Most abundant supply is found in the cooler waters south of East Cape and around the South Island.

Catching method:  Longliners