Fisheries Infosite

Porae 2, 8, and 9 (Combined) (POR2)
Maori name
Porae
Scientific name
Nemadactylus douglasii

Physical characteristics

Porae has a silvery body with a blue/green tinge on top and bluish fins. Juveniles have a dark blotch along their sides. Porae grow to a maximum length of 80 cm, but most adult fish are 40-60 cm.

Life cycle

Porae have a maximum age of at least 30 years. They grow rapidly, reaching 25-28 cm after 2 years. At this point, maturity is reached and growth slows. Spawning occurs during late summer and autumn.

Habitat

Porae are most common in the north of the North Island. They are found throughout inshore areas like sand, sandy reefs and gravel patches at depths to 200 m. Porae feed on worms, brittlestars and sea urchins.

 
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