Fisheries Infosite

Moonfish Extra Territorial (200 mile limit) (MOOET)
Maori name
Aro-kura
Scientific name
Lampris guttatus

Physical characteristics

Moonfish have dark blue or green backs with pink, blue or purple and gold flanks with white spots, a red jaw and red fins. They are a disc-shaped fish that has a maximum length of 180 cm.

Life cycle

Moonfish have an estimated maximum age of 14 years, but it is thought this is an underestimate. They are thought to spawn in northern New Zealand and reach maturity at 80 cm length or 4-5 years of age.

Habitat

Widely distributed around New Zealand, including the Kermadec region, Chatham Rise and subantarctic region at depths to 500 m.

 
Key statistics
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