Story: Oceanic fish

Ocean temperatures

This computer animation shows variations of sea-surface temperatures around New Zealand over a one-year period. Red and orange indicate warm water (about 18–21ºC) flowing south from the tropical Pacific. Blue indicates cold water (8–11ºC) flowing north-east from the Southern Ocean. Many of the oceanic fish that visit New Zealand swim through the waters north of North Island, which warm over summer.

Using this item

NIWA – National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Carl Walrond, 'Oceanic fish - New Zealand’s oceanic species', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/8755/ocean-temperatures (accessed 14 May 2024)

Story by Carl Walrond, published 12 Jun 2006