All Species

Barracouta

Latin Name: Thyrsites atun

Weight: 1.5-3kg, up to 6kg

Length: 60 - 100cm, reaching 140cm

Family: Barracouta belongs to the Gempylidae family, a group of predatory ocean fish sometimes known as snake mackerels.

  • Wild Caught
  • Farmed

Location

Barracouta is found throughout New Zealand waters and is particularly abundant around the South Island. It commonly forms large schools in coastal and offshore waters and is often found near the surface. The species also occurs throughout temperate waters of the Southern Hemisphere.

Sustainability

The sustainability of this New Zealand fishery is ensured by the world-leading Fisheries Act and Quota Management System (QMS). Barracouta is managed within the QMS, and stock abundance is monitored to support sustainable harvest levels. Find out what the QMS is and how it works.

 

The adjacent map shows the quota management areas (QMAs) relevant to this fishery. Source: Fisheries New Zealand (MPI) NABIS spatial data.

Fishing Methods

Fishing Methods

Trawl Trawl

Fishing Season

  • JAN

  • FEB

  • MAR

  • APR

  • MAY

  • JUN

  • JUL

  • AUG

  • SEP

  • OCT

  • NOV

  • DEC

Peak Season
Off Season

Nutrition

Source: Biotin (vitamin B7), Iodine, Phosphorus, Potassium

Good Source: Niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin B12, vitamin D, Selenium, Omega-3 fatty acids

Seafood is a highly nutritious food and is a great source of protein. Many species are low in saturated fat and a number of them are a good source of Omega 3.

Did you know?

  • Barracouta is sometimes called the “Tiger of the Sea” because of its aggressive hunting behaviour and impressive razor-sharp teeth, which can slice through prey with ease.
  • Barracouta was once a staple food for many southern New Zealand communities and remains an important commercial species today, although much of the catch is exported overseas.

Cooking Tips

Barracouta has soft white flesh and a rich flavour. While it is not commonly eaten in New Zealand today, it remains highly regarded in South Africa, where it is known as snoek. It can be smoked, grilled, baked or cooked over a barbecue and is often paired with bold seasonings and marinades.

Try it:

• Smoked
• Grilled
• Barbecued
• Baked

Barracouta Recipes

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