Snapper
Snapper (Pagrus auratus)
 Size: up to 70cm
Was once the most abundant commercial species on the coastal North Island fisheries but is being over-fished.
Small snapper are known as Bream. Shy, flighty fish.
All snapper begin life as females. During third and fourth year half change their sex, going through a hermaphroditic stage to become males. Highly intelligent and elusive. Can prize paua and mussels from rocks with sharp canine-like teeth and crush them.
The scales of the snapper show growth rings but these can be affected by unusual weather conditions or variations in food supply. Live up to 63 years. Lovely eating fish. |
