Frostfish (Lepidopus caudatus), or para of the Maoris, is a long, narrow ribbon of burnished silver, from 3 to 5 ft in length. It derives its name from the fact that numbers of these fish come ashore around the coast, usually in clear frosty weather. It is really a warm-water fish and it becomes distressed by cold conditions in winter when it ventures too far south. The flesh is excellent and, on the infrequent occasions when it is offered for sale, commands a high price.
by Arthur William Baden Powell, Assistant Director, Auckland Institute and Museum.
Co-creator
Arthur William Baden Powell, Assistant Director, Auckland Institute and Museum.