Ahuru
Auchenoceros punctatus
© FishBase (CC BY-NC)Ahuru (Auchenoceros punctatus) is a small, silvery marine fish found around New Zealand's coastal waters. It reaches up to 13 cm and is typically caught near the seabed over sandy or muddy bottoms. Though not a primary target, it is occasionally taken by light‑tackle anglers for its mild flesh.
Basic Information
Family
Moridae
Max Size
13 cm
Habitat
marine
Depth Range
5-420m
Climate
subtropical
Best Season
Summer (December to February)
Best Time
Dawn and dusk
Distribution
Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.
Fishing Tips for Ahuru
- Use a light line to detect subtle bites on the bottom
- Fish over sandy or muddy substrates where Ahuru forage
- Present small, natural‑looking baits near the seabed
- Keep the retrieve slow and allow the lure to hover just above the bottom
Top Fishing Locations for Ahuru
Great Barrier Island Deepwater Site
New ZealandDeep offshore trench near Great Barrier Island known for abundant Ahuru in winter.
Best: June-August
Hikurangi Plateau
New ZealandRemote underwater plateau on the east coast, prime Ahuru habitat.
Best: April-June
Chatham Islands Shelf
New ZealandShelf waters around the Chatham Islands with high Ahuru concentrations.
Best: October-December
Fiordland Fjord (Milford Sound)
New ZealandDeep fjord waters of Milford Sound offering occasional Ahuru catches.
Best: February-March
Antarctic Peninsula Edge
AntarcticaSouthern Ocean edge near the Antarctic Peninsula; extreme conditions but yields Ahuru.
Best: December-January
Tasman Sea Deepwater Zone
AustraliaDeepwater zone of the Tasman Sea off New South Wales, occasional Ahuru migrations.
Best: May-July
Market Prices
Recommended Fishing Equipment for Ahuru
Recommended Equipment
Best bait: Live shrimp or small worms