Fisheries Infosite

Blue Warehou South East (Coast) (WAR3)
Maori name
Scientific name
Seriolella brama

Physical characteristics

Blue Warehou are blue-grey on top with silver undersides and a large black blotch above the pectoral fin. They can grow to a length of 90 cm, but most adults are 46-60 cm in length.

Life cycle

Blue Warehou have a maximum age of 22 years. Sexual maturity is reached around 4-5 years. Spawning occurs at different times in different regions around New Zealand varying from August through to May.

Habitat

Blue Warehou are found mostly through central and southern New Zealand over the continental shelf at depths of 5-250 m. They are planktonic feeders.

 
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