Saltwater fish of New Zealand
About 1,260 fish species are known from New Zealand waters. This guide covers the saltwater fish New Zealanders most often catch, buy or ask about, from inshore reef fish such as snapper and blue cod to deep-water commercial species such as hoki and orange roughy.
Each species page has its Māori and scientific names, size, how to tell it from similar fish, where it lives, how it is caught and eaten, and the current size and daily limits for each fishing region.
Reef and rocky coast fish
Fish that live around reefs, rocks and kelp, and are caught from boats, rocks and by spearfishing.
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Fish of sandy and muddy bottoms, harbours and estuaries.
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Fast-moving fish that school in open water and often feed near the surface.
Deep-reef fish
Larger fish from deeper reefs and the edge of the continental shelf, usually caught from a boat.
Tuna and marlin
Ocean-going gamefish that reach New Zealand waters seasonally.
Deep-water commercial fish
Species caught almost entirely by commercial trawlers in deep water. They are rarely caught recreationally but are common in shops and restaurants.
Sharks and rays
Sharks and rays of harbours, beaches and the open ocean, including the great white, which is protected.
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Questions
What is the most popular saltwater fish in New Zealand?
Snapper. Fisheries New Zealand describes snapper as the country's largest recreational fishery. Kahawai is the second most important recreational species in the north. See snapper and kahawai.
Which saltwater fish are found only in New Zealand?
Of the fish on this site, blue cod, butterfish, sand flounder, New Zealand sole and giant stargazer are endemic to New Zealand. See endemic saltwater fish.
What size do saltwater fish have to be to keep?
It depends on the species and the fishing region, because minimum sizes and daily limits differ between areas. Each species page lists the minimum size and daily limit for every region, and the rules page has a quick checker.
How do I identify a fish I've caught?
Start with body shape and colour, then check fins, markings and the tail. Each species page has a 'How to identify' section and an 'Often confused with' list for lookalike fish. You can also search by English, Māori or scientific name using the search box.