This is the most common of several species of Gurnard found around NZ. They use modified fin rays on their pectoral fins to walk on the bottom, these fin rays are also used to find food. The Red Gurnard grows to 45 cm long, it is reddish to reddish brown, but the pectoral fins are dark green with sky blue spots, corssed by bright red rays. Some writers refer to these fish as the 'butterflies of the ocean' due to the spectactular pectoral fins. It is believed that the fish will flair its brightly coloured pectoral fins as a display or to startle potential predators.

It is known from shallow sandy beaches and estuaries (as juveniles) down to a depth of around 200 m. It is most often encountered in trawler catches but is sometimes caught on hook and line. They are found around the entire New Zealand coast (except southern fiords). They are most abundant north of the Chatham Rise in shallow waters, less than 55 metres, over a sandy or muddy seabed.

Red gurnard eat crabs and shrimps, small fish and worms.

Red gurnard live to about 16 years and reach sexual maturity at two-three years of age when they are around 23 cm (from the nose to the fork in the tail). At that time their growth rate slows and they gradually reach a maximum length of around 42 cm. Females grow faster and larger than males, but growth also varies by location. Red gurnard off the east coast of the South Island grow faster than those in other areas. Red gurnard spawn through spring and summer, peaking in early summer. Their spawning grounds are thought to be widespread. The egg and larval development occurs in surface waters. Daily limit per person 30, no minimum size.

Powell, Native Animals of NZ
http://www.fish.govt.nz/en-nz/Publications/The+State+of+our+Fisheries+2008/Species+Focus/Red+Gurnard.htm accessed 10/02/14