Red gurnard
Red gurnard
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Location
They are widespread around New Zealand and are found on sandy shell seabeds to a depth of about 180 metres. Small juveniles prefer shallow waters and are therefore often caught in shallow harbours.
Attributes
Body is reddish-pink to red above and white below. The large pectoral fins are bluish-green with one large, dark spot and several small white or blue spots and a blue margin. These fins are split into several sensory rays that are used to locate prey and to enable the fish to move sideways across the sandy bottom in search of prey. The head is bony, and the scales are small.
Family
Red gurnard belong to the Triglidae family (gurnards).
Spawning
Spawning extends through the spring and summer, occuring earlier in the north than the south. Juveniles grow rapidly, some are mature at two years and most by four. Females grow faster and are often larger than the males.
Sustainability
Red gurnard annual catch has remained relatively stable for over a decade. Red gurnard are often caught alongside other species, such as snapper and flatfish. North Island gurnard stocks have been relatively stable over the last decade, fluctuating around target levels. Recent increases in abundance are apparent for most South Island stocks.
Fishing methods
Red gurnard are caught all year around New Zealand (except in Fiordland).
Nutrition
To quality for a 'good source' claim the food must contain at least 25% of the RDI.
The Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) is considered to be the average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97–98 per cent) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group.
Selenium is necessary for normal immune system function and for the production of thyroid hormones and it contributes to the maintenance of hair and nails
Niacin (vitamin B3) is necessary for the release of energy from food and for the normal structure and function of skin and mucous membranes, and contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
Vitamin B12 is necessary for normal neurological function and it contributes to blood formation, energy metabolism and to the growth and development in children
Vitamin D is necessary for normal bone structure and the utilisation of calcium and phosphorus and it contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth
To quality for a 'source' claim the food must contain at least 10% of the RDI.
The Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) is considered to be the average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97–98 per cent) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group.
Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, for normal neurological function and for normal energy metabolism, and it contributes to the growth and development in children
Phosphorus is necessary for normal teeth, bone and cell membrane structure and for energy metabolism
Potassium is necessary for water and electrolyte balance, it contributes to the functioning of the nervous system and normal muscle function; and to the normal growth and development of children
Seafood is a highly nutritious food and is a great source of protein
Protein is necessary for tissue building and repair, normal growth and development of bone in children and adolescents aged 4 years and over, and contributes to growth and maintenance of muscle mass
Omega 3 is a group of fatty acids that contribute to heart health
Tips
Red gurnard has firm fillets that hold their shape when cooked. Uses include: frying; poaching; steaming; baking; bbq; casserole; sushi/raw fish.
Buying & Storage Tips
When buying whole red gurnard, always check the...
EYES: Bright and clear cornea, shiny black pupil
GILLS: Rosy pink pastel coloured gills
SKIN: Bright, with a luminous sheen
When buying red gurnard fillets, always check the...
FLESH: semi-transparent and glossy
If the fish looks sticky or mushy then it is not fresh.
