Blue Moki are large bottom living fish, which are common in Southern NZ. It can attain a maximum size of about 1 m and over 10kg in weight. It is a moderately deep bodied fish, with a long low dorsal and anal fins and a deeply forked tail. The colour varies with size and age, young fish are olive -green while older fish are more blue grey.

More common in the South. Juveniles inhabit inshore waters, preferring rocky reefs while adults mostly occur in offshore waters forming schools over open bottoms. Some solitary adults can be found on reefs.

Moki are carniverous and feed on invertebrates such as crabs, small sea urchins, worms and shellfish.

Live up to 30 years. Can form large schools and migrate extensively to spawn. Spawning seems to take place in the south during late winter/spring and young fish are frequently seen from Cook Strait southwards.
Daily limit per person, 15, minimum size 400mm.

Collins Guide to the Sea fishes of NZ: Ayling & Cox