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.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Reference: 1998 Underwater World stamp issue
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