Can you eat giant Kokopu?

Kokopu sprats are keenly sought by fishers as whitebait for consumption as a delicacy and are caught in fine meshed nets.

How big is a giant kokopu?

The giant kōkopu (Galaxias argenteus) is a threatened species of ray-finned fish in the genus Galaxias, found only in New Zealand. It can reach up to 58 cm (23 in) in length and 2.7 kg (6.0 lb) in weight, making it the largest species in the family Galaxiidae.

Where are giant Kokopu found?

New Zealand
This threatened species of fish is currently classified as ‘declining’. They are one of five species that are part of the whitebait run, which include 4 other members of the Galaxias genus. Giant kokopu like most of the native fish fauna are endemic meaning they are found only here in New Zealand.

What is the largest fish in NZ?

Update: Donna Pascoe caught a 907-pound beast, the biggest fish ever caught in New Zealand by a woman angler. It was recently approved by the IGFA as the all-tackle record and the women’s 130-pound line-class record for Pacific bluefin tuna.

Where does whitebait come from?

In the United Kingdom today, whitebait principally refers to the fry of Clupeidae fish, young sprats, most commonly herring. They are normally deep-fried, coated in flour or a light batter, and served very hot with sprinkled lemon juice and bread and butter.

What is a king fish in New Zealand?

About yellowtail kingfish Yellowtail kingfish, also known as haku, kingi or yellowtail, is found in New Zealand from the Kermadec Islands to Banks Peninsula during the summer months. In the wild they can reach 1.7 m in length and weigh up to 56 kg.

How big does whitebait grow?

around 200 mm long
They are good climbers and can be found up to 550 m above sea level. Most grow to around 200 mm long, but they can reach 260 mm.

Is whitebait a sprat?

Whitebait is the traditional term for small sprat and herring. Whitebait sold these days and consumed in the UK is virtually 100% sprat, a large proportion of which come from the Baltic areas. Sprat belongs to the Clupeidae family, which includes herrings, sprat, sardines and all have a similar texture and flavour.

Is Yellowtail a kingfish?

The yellowtail amberjack, yellowtail kingfish, or great amberjack (Seriola lalandi) is a large fish found in the Southern Ocean….

What is Australian king fish?

Yellowtail Kingfish Seriola lalandi is a highly mobile pelagic species of the Family Carangidae found along much of the Australia’s western, southern and eastern coastlines. The species is an iconic recreational fishing target, with variable commercial fishery importance across its range.

What is the largest kōkopu?

The largest member of the Galaxiidae family. As the name suggests these fish grow to be the largest of the kōkopu reaching a size of 300-500 mm. Giant kōkopu live in slow flowing pools and backwaters which are shaded with vegetation. These fish are usually found hidden under banks or within log jams.

What is a shortjaw kōkopu?

The shortjaw kōkopu is capable of climbing relatively high and steep falls, penetrating far inland (but not as far as kōaro or banded kōkopu). Shortjaw kōkopu prefer to live in streams with a slightly alkaline pH of 8.3.

What is the habitat of a kokopu fish?

Access is important for this species, which is considered to have limited climbing ability. Giant kōkopu prefer to live at temperatures between 11°C and 15°C but are commonly captured in waters with higher temperatures. These fish have a preference for slightly acidic waters with an approximate pH of 6.

How did Māori catch kokopu?

In addition to being a component of the seasonal whitebait harvest, adult kōkopu (were also known as native trout) were taken at night (when they are most active) by Māori using a torch and a scoop net. The fish are relatively easy to capture as they are slow moving unless frightened.