Fisheries Infosite

Kingfish 8 and 9 (Combined) (KIN8)
Maori name
Scientific name
Seriola lalandi

Physical characteristics

Kingfish are green on top with a white underside and a green-gold band from nose through the eye down to a yellow tail. They can grow to a maximum length of 160 cm.

Life cycle

Kingfish reach maturity at a length of 83 cm for males and 97 cm for females.

Habitat

Kingfish are found around the northern North Island and Kermadec Islands at depths of 200 m. They are pelagic on the shelf and often associate with reefs. Kingfish are carnivores that feed on Koheru and Trevally.

 
Key statistics
Recreational significance High
Customary significance High
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