Fillet size:
150 - 600g

Whole size:
1-4kg

Identifying features:  Bright orange body and fins.  Deep body, massive head with conspicuous bony ridges and cavities.  The small scales are irregular in shape and pattern and the lateral line scales are larger than the body scales.

Fillets:   Deep, rather elongate, tapering sharply.  The flesh has a delicate shellfish flavour, is pearly white, medium texture and holds together well on cooking.

Habitat: Forms demersal schools in some areas on the Chatham Rise and the Chatham Plateau, 700 -1100 meters in depth.  The low season is from March- May and high season from August-October.

Catching Method: Trawled only

Nutrional Information:

(Per 100 gm raw fillets - approximate)

Protein               15.1 g

Energy               62 kcal (260 kJ)

Sodium              91 mg                                                                           

Fat                    7.3 g

Cholesterol         58 mg