Average size 16-17 cm long and 1.5-2 cm in diameter; grows to 20 cm long.Similar to Australian king prawn. Fawn coloured and rather flat with distinctive short rostrum and large eyes.
Occurs plentifully from Bay of Plenty northwards, 250-750 m. Royal red prawn is smaller (13-15cms), wine coloured, and has much the same distribution as New Zealand scampi. Sabre prawn (10 cm) is widely distributed but probably more plentiful in the south. Prawn fishery is still experimental; would probably substitute for imports rather than provide exports. Jackknife prawn is softer than scampi and would usually be sold cooked (illustrated).
