Average size 30-50cmAverage weight 2kg
Occurs only in New Zealand but is very similar to species found around Japan and Europe. Six species of stargazer occur in New Zealand but only the monkfish is commercially important.
Mottled olive-brown above, white below; small fish have longitudinal pale stripes. A sharp prominent spine projecting above each pectoral base. The dull colour and spines are characteristic of this species.
Moderately common in shelf waters about southern New Zealand 60-600m. Caught by trawling. Landings decline over the winter, May-August. A moderate resource.
