Identifying features: Orange-pink and brown above, with irregular markings, paler to white belly. A long rounded eel-like body with barbel-like pelvic fins originating below center of eye.

Comparisons: Superficially similar but unrelated to the European ling. Ling are eel-likein form and related to codfishes. Unlike eels, they have long gill openings and finger-like pelvic fins on their chin.

Fillets: Long rather slender shape, densely textured. The flesh is very white and firm and holds it's shape well in cooking.

Habitat: Widespread and common in 20 - 700 meters around the southern North Island.

Catching methods: Caught mainly by longliners

Storage & Handling:
Chilled: Keep well chilled 0C (32F).
Frozen: Best stored at -18C (0F)

Nutrional Information:
(Per 100 gm raw fillets - approximate)
Protein 19.7 g
Energy 93 kcal (390 kJ)
Sodium 102 mg
Fat 0.8 g
Cholesterol 46 mg