With its bright colouring and distinctive winged fins, red gurnard is unmistakeable, and is a common sight in much of New Zealand's coastal waters all year round. Although they can grow larger, landed fish normally weigh about 1kg.

Gurnard, also known as sea perch, has a succulent, medium-textured flesh and is a Kiwi favourite for fish and chips. It's also well suited to steaming and pan-frying.