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Story: Fiords

Fiordland brotula

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Fiordland brotula

First discovered in 1993, the brotula is extremely rare – it is known only from a few areas in Fiordland. Growing to about 22 centimetres in length, Fiordland brotulas have been found under boulders and sheltering in crevices and caves. This specimen is held by Chris Paulin, the scientist who first described the fish and gave it its scientific name.

Using this item

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

by Clive Roberts

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Paddy Ryan, Fiords – Fish and marine mammals, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/6342/fiordland-brotula (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Paddy Ryan, published 2 March 2009.