Frostfish

Frostfish are widely dispersed over the outer shelf at depths between 200 and 500 metres. They are often caught as bycatch in the Hoki and Jack Mackerel fisheries off the West Coast.

Family

Frostfish belong to the Trichiuridae family (cutlassfishes

Physical attributes

They have a long, slender, silver, smooth body with darker fins and no scales. There is an iridescent blue shimmer along the upper body. They have large, dagger like teeth.

Frostfish are often mistaken for a Barracouta but they are much thinner and longer

The flesh is white and delicate.

Sustainability

Frostfish is managed by the Ministry for Primary Industries using the New Zealand Quota Management System (QMS). Regular stocks assessment are conducted to estimate fishery stock size and numbers. Scientific studies are also used. From these, scientists can estimate future stock sizes and catch limits.

Geographical location

Frostfish are widely dispersed over the outer shelf at depths between 200 and 500 metres. They are often caught as bycatch in the Hoki and Jack Mackerel fisheries off the West Coast.

• New Zealand: Frostfish, Cutlassfish
• Commonwealth of Independent States: Lepidopus, Sablya-ryba
• United Kingdom: Scabbard Fish
• The Netherlands: Kousebandvis
• France: Coutelas, Sabre d’argent, Sabre argenté
• Germany: Degenfisch
• Greece:Spathópsaroilios
• Italy: Pesce sciabola
• Japan: Obiredachi, Tachiuo, Tachimodoki
• Korea: Kal chi, Pez cinto
• Spain: Espadilla, Pez saber
• United States of America: Silver Scabbard Fish