Species guide
How to catch Tarakihi
Nemadactylus macropterus
saltwatergame fishLatridae
Tarakihi is a saltwater game fish known for its fusiform body and nocturnal feeding habits. It inhabits continental shelves and slopes, mainly at depths of 50 to 250 meters. Juveniles tend to occupy shallow reef areas before moving to deeper water with age.
Where they live
Found on continental shelves and slopes across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, tarakihi prefer depths from about 22 to 450 meters, mainly 50 to 250 meters. Juveniles stay near shallow reefs.
Typical size
Up to about 70 cm
What they eat
- macrofauna
- small crustaceans
- benthic invertebrates
Best baits
- pilchards
- squid strips
- fresh prawns
- clam strips
Best lures
- soft plastic jigs
- metal jigs
- deep-diving hardbaits
How to fish for them
- deep sea jigging
- bottom fishing
- drift fishing
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