Fisheries Infosite

Gurnard Challenger (GUR7)
Maori name
Scientific name
Chelidonichthys kumu

Physical characteristics

Red Gurnard are beige or pink on top with orange or brown blotches and silver undersides. They can grow to a maximum length of 55 cm with females growing faster and larger than males.

Life cycle

Red Gurnard have a maximum age of 16 years. They reach maturity at 23 cm in length and 2-3 years of age. Spawning occurs in spring-summer.

Habitat

Red Gurnard are found throughout New Zealand coastal waters at depths of 10-200 m. They feed on shellfish, crustaceans, and crabs.

 
Key statistics
Recreational significance Medium
Customary significance Medium
Reported commercial catch1 (tonnes)
Quota value estimate2 (NZ$m)
Exports estimate2 (NZ$m)
1 Reported commercial catch is calculated for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025
2 Quota value and exports are calculated pro-rata to reported commercial catch for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025