Latin name

Macruronus novaezelandiae

Other names

Hoki, blue hake, New Zealand whiptail, whiptail hake.

Identification

Body very elongated and compressed, tail tapering towards the end. Vertebrae: 78-81. 

Features of fish fins

The soft, long dorsal and anal fins are smoothly attached to the caudal fin. The first dorsal fin has a barb and 10-12 soft rays. The second dorsal fin has 96-102 soft rays and the anal fin has 89-95 soft rays. 

Fish colouring

The back of the fish is silvery with a slight violet and bluish-green tint. 

Distribution

They inhabit the waters of southern Australia and New Zealand. 

Habitat

Marine brackish benthic benthopelagic oceanodromous subtropical species. The fish usually stay at depths from 10 to 1000 m.

Size

Maximum body length 130 cm, usually up to 80 cm; body mass up to 1.5 kg. Maximum specified age: 25 years.

Behavior

Usually found at or near the bottom, but can occasionally rise to mid-water. Large adults are usually found at depths greater than 400 meters, while juveniles may be found in shallow water, are more common in large estuaries and bays, and may even enter fresh water. They form schools.

Food and feeding habits

Predators, feeding on small fish (sprats, sardines, anchovies), krill and cephalopods.

Reproduction

Oviparous, laying an average of 1 million eggs at a time. 

Fishing

Fishing is an important part of the New Zealand fishing industry.

Relationship with a person

They are used both fresh and frozen.