Fisheries Infosite

Sea Perch Central(West) (SPE8)
Scientific name
Helicolenus spp.

Physical characteristics

Sea Perch have molten brown-orange bodies with four red-brown bands and a row of white dots along their sides. They can grow to a maximum length of 60 cm.

Life cycle

Sea Perch have a maximum age of 32-43 years depending on region. Maturity is reached at 19-25 cm in length and 5-7 years in males, and 15-20 cm length and 5 years for females. Sea Perch reproduce viviparously, but it is unknown when the mating season occurs.

Habitat

Sea Perch occur all around New Zealand. They can be found in waters from the shoreline out to depths of 1200 m, but are most common at depths of 150-500 m. Sea Perch are opportunistic feeders on seafloor animals.

 
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