About Decapterus koheru (Hector, 1875)
Kōheru (Decapterus koheru), also called scad, is a ray-finned fish belonging to the genus Decapterus and the family Carangidae. This species is endemic to New Zealand, where it ranges from Manawatāwhi / Three Kings Islands down to the southern North Island. It is a schooling, pelagic species that lives in coastal waters, and can be found in shallow bays, harbours, estuaries, near rocky reefs and around offshore islands at depths between 2 metres (6.6 ft) and 90 metres (295.3 ft). Juveniles of this species prefer rocky inshore habitats, while adults form dense schools in offshore waters. The maximum recorded fork length of kōheru is 40.3 centimetres (15.9 in). They have a lifespan of approximately 10 years, and juveniles grow quickly, reaching a fork length of 37 centimetres (15 in) by the age of three. Kōheru feed on zooplankton. The species is only of minor interest to commercial fisheries, but it is caught by recreational anglers.
