All Species

Black oreo

Latin Name: Allocyttus niger

Weight: 0.5–1kg (up to 2kg)

Length: 30–40cm

Family: Oreosomatidae (oreos)

  • Wild Caught
  • Farmed

Location

Black oreo is one of several oreo species found in New Zealand waters, alongside smooth, spiky and warty oreo. It inhabits deep offshore waters of the Southern Hemisphere and is typically found at depths of 600 to 1,200 metres. Important New Zealand fishing grounds include the Chatham Rise, the east coast of the South Island and the Campbell Plateau. Black oreo forms schools around underwater features such as seamounts and pinnacles, where it feeds on crustaceans, fish and squid.

Sustainability

Sustainability of this New Zealand fishery is ensured through the world-leading Fisheries Act and Quota Management System (QMS). Oreo species are managed together as the OEO fishery, with stock assessments undertaken by species and fishing area. Black oreo is harvested as part of New Zealand’s deepwater trawl fishery, and scientific assessments indicate that catch limits and harvest levels are sustainable across the major fishing grounds.

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

 

Black oreo is one of four oreo species managed within New Zealand’s Oreos fishery.

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), Vitamin B12, Iodine, Phosphorus, Potassium

Good Source: Niacin (vitamin B3), 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?

Black oreo is an exceptionally long-lived fish and is thought to live for more than 100 years, making it one of New Zealand’s longest-lived commercial fish species.

Cooking Tips

Black oreo has firm white flesh that holds together well during cooking and a mild flavour that suits a variety of dishes. Its texture makes it particularly suitable for cooking methods where the fillet needs to retain its shape.

Try it:

• Baked
• Pan-fried
• Marinated
• Poached
• As sashimi

Black oreo pairs well with fresh herbs, citrus and Asian-inspired flavours

Black oreo Recipes

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