Latin Name: Chelidonichthys kumu

Weight: 0.5–1.4kg, up to 2kg

Length: 20–30cm, reaching 50cm

Family: Gurnard belongs to the Triglidae family.

  • Wild Caught
  • Farmed

Location

They are widespread around New Zealand and are found on sandy shell seabeds to a depth of about 180 metres. Small juveniles prefer shallow waters and are therefore often caught in shallow harbours.

Sustainability

Red gurnard annual catch has remained relatively stable for over a decade. Red gurnard are often caught alongside other species, such as snapper and flatfish. North Island gurnard stocks have been relatively stable over the last decade, fluctuating around target levels. Recent increases in abundance are apparent for most South Island stocks.

The adjacent map shows the quota management areas (QMAs) relevant to this fishery. Source: Fisheries New Zealand (MPI) NABIS spatial data.

Fishing Methods

Fishing Methods

Trawl Trawl

Fishing Season

  • JAN

  • FEB

  • MAR

  • APR

  • MAY

  • JUN

  • JUL

  • AUG

  • SEP

  • OCT

  • NOV

  • DEC

Peak Season
Off Season

Nutrition

Source: Iodine, Phosphorus, Potassium

Good Source: Niacin (vitamin B3), Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Selenium, Omega-3 fatty acids

Seafood is a highly nutritious food and is a great source of protein. Many species are low in saturated fat and a number of them are a good source of Omega 3.

Did you know?

Fishers have often known red gurnard to grunt when caught. Recent sound studies in the Leigh Marine Reserve have shown that the fish makes a surprisingly wide range of vocalisations in its daily life.

Cooking Tips

Red gurnard has firm fillets that hold their shape when cooked. Uses include: frying; poaching; steaming; baking; bbq; casserole; sushi/raw fish.

Gurnard Recipes

csm_Steamed_whole_gurnard_ginger_black_bean_crispy_shallots_21c32d262d

Steamed whole gurnard with ginger, black bean & crispy shallots

csm_Spiced_Gurnard_fillets_with_chermoula_yoghurt_7bd030f5d1

Spiced gurnard fillets with chermoula yoghurt

csm_Gurnard_fillet_zucchini_feta_pine_nuts_parsley_mint_e982cd9417

Gurnard fillet with zucchini, feta, pine nuts, mint and parsley

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