Black oreo
Latin Name: Allocyttus niger,
Weight: 0.5–1kg, up to 2kg
Length: 30–40cm
Family:Black oreo belong to the Oreosomatidae family (oreos). They are not members of the Zeidae family (true dories) despite their market name.
Spiky oreo (Neocyttus rhomboidalis) is a related species. They are paler than Black oreo and have greyish fins. They are smaller in size (around 35 centimetres) and are found in flatter, shallower grounds than black oreo. Spiky oreo are not as common as black oreo, and are not a preferred commercial catch.
Black oreo are found only in the Southern Hemisphere. They are a deepwater species, living at depths between 600 and 1200 metres. In New Zealand black oreo are found along the south of the Chatham Rise, off the east coast of the South Island, and on the Campbell Plateau. They form schools near pinnacles and feed on crustaceans, fish, and squid.
Sustainability of this New Zealand fish stock is ensured through the world-leading Fisheries Act and Quota Management System (QMS). The QMS guides the sustainable use of New Zealand fisheries. Find out what the QMS is and how it works.
Black oreo are mainly caught by the method of trawling.
Black oreo has firm and white small fillets that do not flake easily and hold together on cooking. It is suitable for ;
- baking
- frying
- marinating
- poaching
- serving raw/sashimi
Black oreo are thought to grow slowly and to live for over 100 years - one of the world's longest-lived fish.
Black oreo is a good source of Selenium; and a source of Iodine, Phosphorus, Potassium, Niacin (vitamin B3) and Vitamin B12.
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.
Wild Caught
Farmed