Gemfish have blue backs and silvery flanks and undersides. They can grow to a maximum length of 135 cm, but average from 60-90 cm.
Gemfish have a maximum age of 17 years. There is little information about age at maturity. Spawning is thought to occur in July around North Cape and August-September in the north of the South Island.
Gemfish are found throughout New Zealand on the continental shelf and slope. They are usually found at depths of 50-600 m. Gemfish feed on squid, lanternfish, dories, and rattails.
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Key statistics
Medium |
Medium |
6.88 |
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1 Reported commercial catch is calculated for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025 |
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2 Quota value and exports are calculated pro-rata to reported commercial catch for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025 |
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