About Nemadactylus macropterus (Forster, 1801)
Nemadactylus macropterus has 17–18 spines and 25–28 soft rays in its dorsal fin, and 3 spines and 14–15 soft rays in its anal fin. This species reaches a maximum total length of 70 cm (28 in), with a more typical adult length of 35 cm (14 in), and a maximum published weight of 2.9 kg (6.4 lb). It is a large fish that is overall silvery in color, with a wide black band or crescent-shaped marking running from the nape to the base of the pectoral fin. Its seventh pectoral fin ray is elongated. All fins range from light to dark grey and have no distinct markings. Juveniles are also silvery, but have dark bands or blotches on their upper bodies. Nemadactylus macropterus is confirmed to occur in Australia and New Zealand. In Australia, it is found along the southern coast from Broken Bay, New South Wales to Rottnest Island, Western Australia, and its range also includes Tasmania. It is widespread across New Zealand, found from Cape Reinga to the waters immediately south of the Snares Islands, as well as in shallower areas of the Chatham Rise and off the Chatham Islands. There have been reports of this species from South America and islands in the southern Indian Ocean, but these are thought to be misidentifications of similar closely related species. It lives on deep reefs at depths down to 400 m (1,300 ft), and individuals sometimes enter large coastal bays.
