YELLOWEYE MULLET
(Aldrichetta forsteri)
Synonymy: Aua
Blue-green
with slight brownish tinge above and silvery white below. Easily
distinguishable by their bright yellow eyes.
| Are
common in shallow bays and estuaries around New Zealand,
occasionally entering river mouths and |
 |
tidal harbours to feed on the algal/detrital layer and small
crustaceans which cover weed beds, mudflats etc. They grow to
an average of 20 – 30cm and a maximum of 40cm.
Did
you know?
Spawning in the yelloweye mullet occurs in coastal waters over
spring and summer where each fish may release up to 680,000
eggs!
LEATHERJACKET
(Parika scaber)
Synonymy: Kokiri, Creamfish or triggerfish
A
diamond shaped fish with a dorsal spine above the eye, yellowish
fins and a variable body colour from browns and greys. Common
throughout New Zealand, around rocky shores and open seafloors
to depths of about 50 metres.
| Average
size is 20-30cm and maximum age 6-7 years. Adults spawn
from winter to spring, and deposit their eggs into undefended
nests. Juveniles grow extremely quickly. |
 |
Have small mouths with exposed teeth that allow them to graze
on encrusting animals.
Did
you know?
Leatherjackets are able to swim backwards almost as well as
they can forwards!
