Gurnard

Chelidonichthys kumu

A succulent, medium to firm white flesh fish.

Gurnard are a major bycatch of inshore trawl fisheries in most areas of New Zealand. They are also an important recreational species.

Widespread around New Zealand, Gurnard are found on sandy shell seabeds to a depth of approximately 180 metres.

Gurnard has a succulent, flaky flesh with a low oil content. It is a great choice for many cuisine styles and flavours.

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Key Information

Family

Gurnard belong to the Triglidae family.

Physical attributes

Gurnard have a reddish-pink body to red and white below. They have large pectoral fins which open up like wings and 'feeler feet' that stir up the sea floor for food.

Gurnard has a succulent, flaky flesh with a low oil content.

Sustainability

Gurnard has been fished commercially in New Zealand for years. The Gurnard catch levels are determined by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to ensure sustainable fishing methods are continuously being practiced by all commercial fisheries through the New Zealand Quota Management System (QMS).

Regular stock assessments are conducted to estimate fishery stock size and numbers. Scientific studies are also used. From these, scientists can estimate future stock sizes and catch limits.

Geographical location

Widespread across New Zealand waters, they are often caught on sandy shell seabeds at depths of 180 metres.

Market Names

New Zealand: Gurnard
Australia: Red Gurnard
Canada: Grondin rouget
Japan: Houbou
Greece: Kaponi, Gallinella o cappone
Germany: Knurrhahn
France: Grondin rouge
Commonwealth: Krasnaya trigla, Morskoy petukh
Korea: Jom yang tae

Locations Caught

Profile

Average weight

0.5-1.4 kg

Average length

20-30 cm

TACC i

5,104 tonne

Talley's catch

1000+ tonne

Nutritional information

Average quantity per 100g

Energy

374 kJ

Protein

20.6 g

Fat, total

0.7 g

Carbohydrate

0.3 g

Sugars 0.3g

Sodium 99mg

Seasonal availability

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Not caught

Months caught

Peak months

Flavour and cooking

Gurnard is a versatile fish, with a medium textured flesh that hold's its shape when cooked. It can be cooked in practically every way including fried, poached, steamed, baked, barbecued, soups and chowders. it can also be served raw as Sashimi.

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