Tarakihi
📖 Overview
Adults demersal on the continental shelf and upper slope to depths of 450 m . Juveniles tend to live near shallow reefs . Postlarvae inhabit offshore waters and are found in surface waters at night . Average weight is 1800 g. Feed on polychaete worms, crustaceans, mollusks and echinoderms . Flesh is quite good eating. Often sold as tiki fillets.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 17 - 18; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25 - 28; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 14 - 15; Vertebrae: 35. Adults have elongate upper pectoral-fin rays and are silvery with a broad black band from the nape to the pectoral-fin base .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Tarakihi is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Tarakihi is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Jackass morwong have an extended pelagic postlarval stage . Research in New Zealand has shown that metamorphosis to the juvenile stage occurs between 9 and 12 months after hatching .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 22 - 450 m , usually 100 - 250 m . Subtropical; 27°S - 48°S, 62°W - 176°W Southwest Atlantic: southern South America.
🌿 Ecology
polychaete worms, crustaceans, mollusks and echinoderms (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Tarakihi is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 19.1 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 381 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Tarakihi has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheilodactylus macropterus | Forster | 1801 | Synonym |
| Cichla macroptera | Forster | 1801 | Synonym |
| Dactylopagrus macropterus | Forster | 1801 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 33 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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