Red Gurnard belong to the Triglidae family.  Their body is reddish-pink to red above and white below.  The large pectoral fins are bluish-green with one large, dark spot and several small white or blue spots and a blue margin.  The head is bony, and the scales are small.

Red Gurnard Fishery

Red Gurnard is widespread around New Zealand and are found on sandy shell seabeds to a depth of about 180 metres.  Small juveniles perfer shallow waters and are therefore often caught in shallow harbours.

New Zealand's Red Gurnard fishery is managed by strict quotas, which allow only a set amount of Red Gurnard to be taken commercially each year. This Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) was set at 5,081 metric tonnes for the 2009/10 fishing year.

Red Gurnard Meat Quality

Red Gurnard has firm fillets that hold their shape when cooked.  They have a low oil content.

For meal ideas using Red Gurnard, check out recipes on the Greatest Meal on Earth website.