Tarakihi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tarakihi |
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The tarakihi (scientific name: Nemadactylus macropterus) is a type of fish also known as the jackass morwong. It belongs to a group of fish called morwongs. You can find tarakihi in the waters off southern Australia, along the Atlantic coast of South America, and around New Zealand. They live at depths of up to 400 meters (about 1,300 feet) on all kinds of ocean floors.
These fish usually grow to be between 30 and 60 centimeters (about 12 to 24 inches) long. Tarakihi were first officially recorded off the southwestern coast of New Zealand's North Island between 1963 and 1972. They are a very important fish in New Zealand, often ranking second in the total amount of fish caught there.
The Life of a Tarakihi Fish
How Tarakihi Grow and Reproduce
Tarakihi fish can live for a long time, up to about 35 years! They become old enough to have their own babies when they are between 3 and 6 years old. This is called reaching maturation.
Tarakihi lay their eggs, a process called spawning, from February to June each year.
Where Young and Adult Tarakihi Live
When tarakihi are young, they like to live closer to the coast. You can find many young tarakihi in the areas called the inner and mid-shelf of the ocean. These are the parts of the seabed that are not too deep and are closer to land.
As tarakihi grow into adults, they move to deeper waters. Adult tarakihi prefer to live on the outer continental shelf. This area is further from the coast and much deeper.
