All Species

Oreos

Latin Name: Allocyttus niger (black oreo), Pseudocyttus maculatus (smooth oreo), Neocyttus rhomboidalis (spiky oreo), Allocyttus verrucosus (warty oreo)

Weight: 0.5-2kg

Length: 30-45cm

Family: Oreosomatidae (oreos)

  • Wild Caught
  • Farmed

Location

Oreo are found in deep offshore waters around New Zealand.

  • Typically found at depths of 600–1,200 metres (and deeper in some areas)​
  • Key fishing areas include:
    • Chatham Rise (particularly southern areas)
    • East coast of the South Island
    • Campbell Plateau ​

They are deepwater species living close to the seabed, often forming schools around underwater features such as pinnacles.

Sustainability

Oreo is managed under New Zealand’s Fisheries Act and the Quota Management System (QMS).

  • Oreo fisheries include four related deepwater species, which are managed together as a single group in New Zealand fisheries. These include black, smooth, spiky and warty oreo. Black (BOE) and smooth (SSO) oreo are the most commonly referenced in markets and fisheries information, and may also be known as “black dory” and “smooth dory”.
  • Stocks are assessed by species and fishing area​
  • Science indicates that catch limits and catches are sustainable across major fishing grounds ​

Fishery Overview

Oreo is a deepwater trawl fishery.

  • Typically caught at depths of 600–1,500 metres​
  • Managed across several fishing areas, including:
    • OEO 1
    • OEO 3A
    • OEO 4
    • OEO 6

Although managed together, the fishery recognises differences between the individual oreo species and locations when assessing stocks.

Also see the Black oreo species page.

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?

Oreo species are slow-growing and long-lived, with some living up to 80–100 years and reaching maturity relatively late.

Cooking Tips

Oreos Recipes

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