Yellowtail kingfish
Yellowtail kingfish
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Location
Yellowtail kingfish are widely distributed around the North Island and the northern South Island. They are roving carnivores and an open-water fish, although they do enter shallow bays, harbours, and estuaries looking for food.
Attributes
Blue-green on the upper side with a silver-white belly. A yellow-to-brass coloured strip runs along the middle of the fish from the eye to the tail. The fins and tail are yellow. The body is torpedo-shaped with a small first dorsal fin, small scales, small tail-based scutes, and a large mouth that stretches back to a small eye.
Family
New Zealand Yellowtail kingfish are part of a group of kingfish found around the Southern Hemisphere, and belong to the Carangidae family (trevallies, kingfishes).
Spawning
They spawn in open coastal waters during the summer and are thought to migrate, particularly as young adults. There is a tendency to school by age, while old Yellowtail kingfish are more solitary and less migratory.
Sustainability
Kingfish were introduced to the Quota Management System in 2003. They are predominantly found in the northern half of the North Island. Studies suggest two stocks of kingfish off the west and east coasts, and that the east coast stock may comprise a number of sub-stocks.
Fishing methods
Yellowtail kingfish are regarded as a sashimi grade fish by the Japanese, who farm their local species in sea cages. Commercially, the species is caught by trolling, set net, purse seine, or trawl, often as a by-catch.
Nutrition
To quality for a 'good source' claim the food must contain at least 25% of the RDI.
The Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) is considered to be the average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97–98 per cent) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group.
Selenium is necessary for normal immune system function and for the production of thyroid hormones and it contributes to the maintenance of hair and nails
Vitamin B12 is necessary for normal neurological function and it contributes to blood formation, energy metabolism and to the growth and development in children
Vitamin D is necessary for normal bone structure and the utilisation of calcium and phosphorus and it contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth
To quality for a 'source' claim the food must contain at least 10% of the RDI.
The Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) is considered to be the average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97–98 per cent) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group.
Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, for normal neurological function and for normal energy metabolism, and it contributes to the growth and development in children
Phosphorus is necessary for normal teeth, bone and cell membrane structure and for energy metabolism
Potassium is necessary for water and electrolyte balance, it contributes to the functioning of the nervous system and normal muscle function; and to the normal growth and development of children
Niacin (vitamin B3) is necessary for the release of energy from food and for the normal structure and function of skin and mucous membranes, and contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
Seafood is a highly nutritious food and is a great source of protein
Protein is necessary for tissue building and repair, normal growth and development of bone in children and adolescents aged 4 years and over, and contributes to growth and maintenance of muscle mass
Omega 3 is a group of fatty acids that contribute to heart health
Tips
Firm, succulent flesh is the hallmark of yellow tail kingfish. The dark colouration of the flesh lightens on cooking. Yellowtail kingfish fillets hold their shape are suitable to: bake; bbq; casserole; fry; poach; smoke; steam; or sushi/raw.
Buying & Storage Tips
When buying whole yellow tail kingfish, always check the...
EYES: Bright and clear cornea, shiny black pupil
GILLS: Rosy pink pastel coloured gills
SKIN: Bright, with a luminous sheen
When buying yelow tail kingfish fillets, always check the...
FLESH: semi-transparent and glossy
If the fish looks sticky or mushy then it is not fresh.
