Latin Name: Metanephrops challengeri

Weight: Up to 120g

Length: 25–30cm overall (tail length ~8.5cm)

Family: Scampi belongs to the Nephropidae family of clawed lobsters. Despite their small size, they are highly prized for their sweet flavour and delicate white flesh.

  • Wild Caught
  • Farmed

Location

Scampi are found throughout New Zealand waters on the continental slope at depths of approximately 200 to 750 metres. They live in burrows in soft, muddy seabeds and emerge to feed on small crustaceans and other marine animals. Important fishing grounds include the Auckland Islands, the east coast of the North Island and the east coast of the South Island.

Sustainability

Sustainability of this New Zealand fish stock is ensured through the world-leading Fisheries Act and Quota Management System (QMS). Scampi was introduced into the QMS in 2004 and is managed as multiple fish stocks across New Zealand waters. Fisheries scientists use a combination of commercial catch information, trawl surveys and deepwater photography of scampi burrows to assess stock health and support sustainable management.

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

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?

Despite often being compared to prawns, scampi are actually members of the lobster family.

Cooking Tips

Scampi is prized for its sweet, delicate flavour and tender white flesh. It is often served raw or lightly cooked to showcase its natural sweetness. Simple preparation is best, allowing the quality of the seafood to shine.

Try it:

• Sashimi or raw
• Barbecued
• Baked
• Marinated

Scampi Recipes

csm_sea-recipe-seafood-kebab-crayfish-brandy-sauce_7e63003f26

Seafood kebabs with creamy crayfish & brandy sauce

csm_Prawn_and_squid_noodle_box_with_chili_and_Asian_spices4_01_30549a9537

Prawn & squid noodle box

csm_Camarones_at_a_Diabla__Devilish_Prawns_-9_copy_de8a0fd834

Mexican style prawns with coriander rice

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