N.Z. Native Marine Fish
A guide to some of the common Flaura and Flora from around the N.Z. coastline, and keeping them in aquariums.
Anemone - Dahlia
Isocradactis magna A large anemone with a large round disk that comes in a wide colour variation from white to bright pink.
Anemone - Jewel
Corynactis haddoni The jewel anemone is named for its brilliant range of colouration, Individuals may be bright orange, red, green, pink or white and the tentacles are usually contrasting colours....
Anemone - Red Beadlet or Waratah
Actinia tenebrosaWhen closed it shows only its dark brown-red outer surface, when open it shows a lighter red colour. This species releases well-developed young anemones through the mouth, which...
Banded Coral Shrimp
The Banded Coral Shrimp has striking colouration with the body and tail banded in red and white and covered in small spines, they can grow up to 60mm in body size with the antennae and periopods...
Black Angel
New Zealands true angel, starts life vibrantly coloured like tropical Parma species - they are a neon blue and yellow which slowly changes to jet black with a white ear patch.
Blue Cod
Young fish are blotched in varying shades of brown. Adults are usually green to blue-black above, with white on the belly. Can grow to 60cm and weigh up to Young fish are blotched in varying...
Blue Maomao
Bright blue as an adult, but silver with yellow spots and fins as a youngster.
Bluenose, Warehou
A deep water fish, can be caught as in a harbour where they come in on the current.
Bridled goby
Arenigobius bifrenatus Bridled goby is a burrowing coastal and estuarine goby self introduced from temperate areas of Australia.
Brown Topknot,
Brown and Cream variegated markingss, fins have translucent patches that resemble holes in seaweeds. The body is flattened to resemble a piece of seaweed.
Butterfly Perch
A pinkish coloured fish with a speckling of small black spots, a large black spot on sides, bluish hints around the head.
Carpet Shark
The Carpet Shark or Draughtsboard shark get its name as many of them have blotchy patterns on the upper side reminiscent of a carpet. They are endemic to New Zealand coastal waters and are found...
Cephalopoda - Pacific Bobtail squid
Bobtail squid are closely related to cuttlefish, but tend to have a rounder mantle and have no cuttlebone. They have eight suckered arms and two tentacles and are generally quite small (typical...
Clingfish - Hectors
Green clingfish Clingfish have modified pelvic fins which act as suckers to hold them onto rocks in wave action.