Trumpeter

How to identify trumpeter

An elongated, compressed fish with a distinctly concave head profile. The back and sides are yellow-brown, with three dark olive to yellow-green stripes along the upper side and a broad, faint band along the lower side. A dark stripe runs from the snout to the start of the dorsal fin. The belly is silvery yellow. Trumpeter can be separated from their relatives, such as moki, by the 26 to 30 rays in the anal fin.

Where it lives in New Zealand

Found from the Three Kings Islands to the Auckland Islands but rare north of East Cape and Cape Egmont. The biggest numbers are on the Chatham Rise and around the southern South Island and Stewart Island. Trumpeter live over rocky reefs from a few metres down to about 200 m. Young fish settle on shallow inshore reefs and move to deeper reefs as they mature, so deep-water fish tend to be much larger.

How to catch it

Taken on rod and line and handline over rocky reefs, mostly as a bycatch when fishing for other species. Most recreational catch comes from the south-east coast, Southland and the Challenger area at the top of the South Island. Smaller fish are found on shallow inshore reefs; bigger fish sit on deeper reefs. Trumpeter feed on crabs, shrimps, squid, octopus and small fish, so bottom-fished baits of this kind suit them.

Eating

Firm, moist white flesh with a delicate flavour. It holds together well, so it suits many methods. Dry methods work best: pan fry, bake, grill or barbecue. Pan-fried and baked trumpeter are the most popular choices, and the firm fillets stay intact on a hot grill.

Recipes

• Zak and Tamar's reverse surf and turf (Seafood New Zealand)

Good to know

Trumpeter have a larval and post-larval stage of up to 9 months in surface waters, which spreads young fish widely. Australian studies estimate they live to about 43 years. They are managed under the Quota Management System.

Questions

Is trumpeter good eating?

Yes. Trumpeter has firm, moist white flesh with a delicate flavour. It holds together well, so dry methods work best: pan fry, bake, grill or barbecue. Pan-fried and baked trumpeter are the most popular choices, and the firm fillets stay intact on a hot grill.

How do you tell trumpeter from blue moki?

Look for stripes. Trumpeter are yellow-brown with three olive to yellow-green stripes along the upper side and a dark stripe from the snout to the dorsal fin. Blue moki are blue-grey and silver with no lengthwise stripes. Trumpeter also have 26 to 30 rays in the anal fin.

Where are trumpeter caught in New Zealand?

Mostly in the south. Most recreational catch comes from the south-east coast, Southland and the Challenger area at the top of the South Island. They are also plentiful on the Chatham Rise and around Stewart Island, but rare north of East Cape and Cape Egmont.