To sixty centimetres. Similar to a trevally in structure, but much more slender and with a row of deep plates following the lateral line, this and a related larger species is abundant south to Banks Peninsula and beyond in summer months. Like the trevally, it is also found in Australia. Colour and habits are similar to trevally, as is its habit of moving about in shoals of similar sized individuals. Food taken includes a host of smaller marine animals including oceanic shrimps, crabs from muddy bottoms, as well as small fishes of various kinds. Other names in use are yellowtail, horse mackerel and hauture. This commonly caught baitfish responds particularly well to sabiki flys and is favoured as a live-bait, cut bait and whole dead bait.

Get the most from fishnz with monthly newsletters, discounts, special offers and prizes. It's FREE!