To one metre. Well known to southern trawlermen and net fishermen, this species is widely distributed about South Island and southern North Island coasts. It inhabits inshore rocky coast and soft bottoms down to about sixty fathoms, but it is taken more regularly in inshore set nets than by other means. Moving in very large shoals, warehou may sometimes be observed at the surface well offshore. The colour is dark blue-green above, paler below. The steep smooth head, short and low first dorsal fin and the dark blotch behind the head are distinctive features. Becoming a popular sport species particularly in the Wellington region, warehou may be captured on baits, jigs or flies. They fight very strongly and are an excellent table fish.

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