Tarakihi (Nemadactylus Macropterus)
|
|
Time to read 2 min
October’s species spotlight is all about the Tarakihi, a local legend of the New Zealand coast.
Known for their curiosity and that beautiful silver body with the distinct black band behind the head, Tarakihi are a treat for both divers and fishers. If you’re heading out to hunt for these guys, here’s a quick lowdown on finding, catching, and cooking them—keeping it sustainable, of course!
Table of Contents
Where To Find Them?
Tarakihi love hanging out around our rocky reefs, weed beds, and sandy drop-offs, usually chilling between 10 and 50 meters down. They’re not shy of deeper waters either, so if you’re up for it, try exploring around those reefy edges and weed lines. If you’re lucky, you might spot a few Tarakihi cruising with other species like john dory, kingfish, and porae. Their curious nature means if you’re in the right place, they’ll likely show themselves before you even need to look too hard.
How to Hunt 'Em
Tarakihi are not too hard to coax in—especially if you’re smart with your approach. Burley works wonders to bring them closer, and if you start spotting porae or similar fish, you’re likely in a prime Tarakihi spot.
Once you’re in, lie flat on the sand and give it a gentle flick; the movement can catch their eye and draw them closer. One tip—try looking through the top of your mask or even cover your eyes with your hands. Sounds odd, but Tarakihi can spook if they spot your eyes directly, so this helps to keep them curious without scaring them off.
When you’re diving along the weed lines, find those reef edges and stay low. Bringing along one of our Divetech 90cm spearguns to give you a bit of extra reach while staying hidden in the weed line—perfect for landing a clean shot without startling the fish. Pair it with our 8L float and float line for a smooth, safe, and controlled dive.
Tarakihi Stats
- Size & Catch Limit: The average length of the Tarakihi spans between 25cm to 40cm, typically weighing about 1kg to 2kg. Check with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) for the latest rules on size and catch limits. It’s important to take only what you need!
- Identification: Look for a silver body with a dark vertical band just behind their gill plate.
- Fun Facts: Did you know Tarakihi are known to live for over 40 years? They’re hardy fish that roam widely, making them a prized catch for divers and spearos.
How to Cook 'Em
Once you’ve got your catch, Tarakihi makes for top-notch eating. Their firm, white flesh is versatile and delicious, making it perfect for anything. Try out the below recipes for your next catch!
1. Tarakihi fish tacos
2. Grilled Tarakihi with a spicy kumara salad
Must Have Products For Novice Spearos
The Author: Brendon (Dive Division Manager)
Brendon is a seasoned diver with nearly 35 years of experience and a passion for the ocean. From a PADI instructor to a commercial diver on oil rigs and wrecks across NZ, Australia, and Papua New Guinea, he has seen a lot! Now, he enjoys teaching his children about the underwater world. A staunch advocate for ocean conservation, Brendon views Divetech as a means to help others explore and appreciate the importance of protecting our oceans.
