Maori Cod

Interorbital area convex, Almost straight dorsal profile; preopercle sub angular, serrae slightly enlarged; upper edge of the operculum almost straight; nostrils subequal; maxilla reaches to or slightly beyond vertical at posterior edge of the eye. Pectoral fins fleshy; pelvic fins not reaching anus, except in small individuals. Pyloric caeca 11. Characterized further by the following: buff body, covered with close-set wavy longitudinal brownish orange, golden brown or reddish brown stripes; some stripes broken into series of small spots; pale greyish brown head, covered with small spots same as on the body; orange-brown maxillary streak; pale fin rays, with small brown spots, inter-radial membranes dark brown; narrow yellow margins on median fins; pectoral fins diffusely yellow distally (Ref. 89707).

Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 17; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 8

Occurs in inshore waters of the continental shelf (Ref. 75154).

Inhabits coral reefs (Ref. 58652) and rocky areas. It is an active swimmer that will leave the bottom to take a floating bait.

fisheries: commercial