Story: Oceanic fish

Moonfish stamp

Moonfish stamp

This 1998 stamp features a moonfish, or opah. It was known to Māori as aro kura – a reference to the oily red flesh – and considered a delicacy. According to one historical account, in the 68 years between 1882 and 1950 only 10 were seen around New Zealand’s coast. Specimens were typically about 1 metre long. In the years from 1990 to 1999 tuna boats took 4,748 moonfish as by-catch.

Using this item

New Zealand Post
Reference: 1998 Underwater World stamp issue

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How to cite this page:

Carl Walrond, 'Oceanic fish - Moonfish, flying fish, sunfish and mid-water species', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/postage-stamp/8751/moonfish-stamp (accessed 25 April 2024)

Story by Carl Walrond, published 12 Jun 2006