Blue Cod
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| Blue Cod | ||||||||||||||
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| Parapercis colias'' |
Blue cod (Parapercis colias) is a temperate salt water fish belonging to the order Perciformes. It is also known variously as New Zealand cod, sand perch or its Maori names Rawaru and Pakirikiri.
It is exclusively found in New Zealand in shallow waters around the rocky coasts of up to the depth of 150 meters. It is bluish green to blue black above with white toward the belly. Large examples are usually greenish blue in coloration, while smaller ones are blotched in varying shades of brown. An adult may grow to between 30 and 40 centimeters in length and weigh from one to three kilograms. It feeds mainly on small fish and crabs. Blue cod is strongly territorial. Spawning takes place in southern spring.
It is a plump fish which produces good fillets. It can be served battered, crumbed, pan-fried or baked. It is an important game fish and is commercially harvested. Blue cod populations are threatened due to heavy pressure from recreational fishing. Annual catch range is between 1,300 to 2,000 tonnes.