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How to catch Tarakihi

Nemadactylus macropterus (Forster, 1801)

About Tarakihi fishing

The tarakihi is a marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Latridae, distinguished by a fusiform body, a striking silver colouration, and a broad black band running from the nape to the base of the pectoral fin. Growing up to 70 cm in maximum total length, adults typically inhabit demersal zones on the continental shelf and upper slope down to depths of 450 metres, while juveniles frequent shallow reefs and coastal bays. This species feeds primarily on benthic invertebrates including polychaete worms, crustaceans, molluscs, and echinoderms. Known for undertaking regular spawning migrations and forming localized feeding schools, it is highly valued by recreational and commercial anglers alike for its excellent table qualities.

  • Difficulty

    Medium

  • Average size

    35 cm TL

  • Market value

    High

  • Habitat

    Saltwater

  • Season

    Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

  • Also known as

    Deep sea perch, Jackass fish, Jackass morwong, Jackassfish, Morwong, Mowie

Tarakihi

Nape Band

Broad black band extending from the nape down to the pectoral-fin base.

Elongate Pectoral Ray

Significantly elongated upper pectoral-fin rays characteristic of this species.

Tarakihi fishing facts

Characteristics

  • Typical size

    35 cm TL (max 70 cm TL )

  • Typical weight

    0.5 kg (max 2.9 kg )

  • Preferred temperature

    11.1–16 °C

  • Depth

    22–450 m

  • Longevity

    50 years

  • Body shape

    Fusiform / Normal

  • Commercial?

  • Vulnerability score

    49.9

Best hours

  • Dawn

    First light

    Peak

  • Morning

    After sunrise

    Active

  • Midday

    High sun

    Low

  • Afternoon

    Late day

    Active

  • Dusk

    Last light

    Peak

  • Night

    After dark

    Low

When to fish for Tarakihi

01
January
02
February
03
March
04
April
05
May
06
June
07
July
08
August
09
September
10 Now
October
11
November
12
December

How to catch Tarakihi

Tips for catching Tarakihi

To successfully target tarakihi, locate schools holding over deep reefs, rocky outcrops, or adjacent sandy bottoms using an electronic sounder. Because these fish possess relatively small mouths and cautious feeding habits, precision is vital; deploy a sensitive ledger or dropper rig armed with small, sharp hooks. Natural offerings such as small strips of squid, shellfish meat, or fresh pilchard pieces work best to tempt their benthic appetite. Lower your presentation straight to the sea floor near structure and maintain subtle contact, as their bites can be delicate. Fishing during periods of slack water or moderate tidal movement yields the most consistent action.

Other names for Tarakihi

Local and alternate names anglers use for Tarakihi.

  • Tarakihi
  • Silver perch
  • Squeeker perch
  • Sea bream
  • Silver bream
  • Mowie
  • Jackass fish
  • Morwong
  • Jackassfish
  • Jackass morwong
  • Perch
  • Deep sea perch

Best equipment to catch Tarakihi

Compare fishing methods for Tarakihi — sized kit for each technique.

Note: Typical fish is 0.5 kg Our algorithm will suggest the best equipment for you based on this weight.

Best lures and baits for Tarakihi

Ranked lures and natural baits from every method, best first.

How Tarakihi migrates — Inshore–offshore

Shifts between shallow inshore water and deeper offshore grounds with the season.

How Tarakihi migrates — Inshore–offshore 1. Warm months: Stay close inshore through the warm months. 2. Cold months: Move offshore into deeper water as it cools.
Inshore Offshore

1 Warm months

Inshore

Stay close inshore through the warm months.

2 Cold months

Offshore

Move offshore into deeper water as it cools.

Hover or tap a number to read each stage.

Diet and behavior of Tarakihi

  • Diet

    Carnivore

  • Feeds by

    Hunts animals

  • Hunts

    Dawn · Dusk

  • Feeds over

    Coral reefs

Where Tarakihi lives

Lives on or just above the bottom. Work jigs, bait, and lures along the seabed.

Habitats
Saltwater
Depth zone
Sublittoral, Bathyal
22–450 m
Usually 100–250 m
Water column
Demersal
On or near the bed

Where this species lives

Where to fish for Tarakihi

Mapped fishing spots where Tarakihi is recorded — open a pin for access and methods.

Waihuakina Bay

ChristchurchCanterburyNew Zealand

Balaena Bay

Wellington CityWellingtonNew Zealand

Island Bay

Wellington CityWellingtonNew Zealand

Ōhau Bay

Wellington CityWellingtonNew Zealand

Opau Bay

Wellington CityWellingtonNew Zealand

Waiparera Creek

WhangāreiNorthlandNew Zealand

Okaparu Reef

TaurangaBay of PlentyNew Zealand

Tumu Bay

TaurangaBay of PlentyNew Zealand