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Tarakihi are grey or silver with paler undersides and have a black band around the nape of the neck. They can grow to a maximum length of 70 cm. 
 
 
 
Tarakihi have a maximum age of over 40 years and reach maturity at 25-35 cm length and 4-6 years. Spawning occurs from summer to autumn in three main areas: Cape Runaway to East Cape, Kaikoura to Pegasus Bay, and the west coast of the South Island near Jackson Bay. 
 
 
 
Tarakihi are found throughout New Zealand inhabiting depths of 100-500 m. They feed on worms, crabs, brittlestars and shellfish. 
 
             
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 Key statistics 
	
		
	
	| High | 
 
		
	
	| High | 
 
		
		
			
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			| 1 Reported commercial catch is calculated for the 12 month period to 30/09/2026 | 
		 
		
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			| 2 Quota value and exports are calculated pro-rata to reported commercial catch for the 12 month period to 30/09/2026 | 
		 
	 
 
             
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