Blue cod (Parapercis colias), known to the Maoris as rawaru, is our most esteemed food fish, but unfortunately supplies are seldom equal to the demand, since, owing to its rocky bottom habitat, it has to be line fished. The blue cod occurs throughout New Zealand, but is most abundant in the south and especially at the Chatham Islands. The colour is greenish-blue marbled with brown and the average weight ¾ lb, but odd ones reach 7 or 8 lb. This fish is in no way related to the English cod but is somewhat allied to the flatheads and catfishes.
The smoked flesh of the blue cod is regarded as a delicacy.
by Arthur William Baden Powell, Assistant Director, Auckland Institute and Museum.