Giant Stargazer belong to the Uranoscopidae family.

Bodies are elongated and flattened, mottled olive green/brown above and white below.  The prominent bony head has eyes that look upwards.  A strong spine projects from each side of the head behind the pectoral fin base.  There are no scales.

Giant Stargazer Fishery

A number of related species of Giant Stargazer are caught under the STA TACC, the most prolific species being Kathetostoma giganteum.  Giant Stargazer is widespread in New Zealand coastal waters and more common around the southern part of the South Island at depths between 50 metres and 500 metres off the continental shelf.  They bury themselves in soft sediment and prey on passing fish and crustaceans.

They are caught all year by trawling, principally around the South Island.

New Zealand's Giant Stargazer fishery is managed by strict quotas, which allow only a set amount of Giant Stargazer to be taken commercially each year. This Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) was set at 5,411 metric tonnes for the 2009/10 fishing year.

Giant Stargazer Meat Quality

Giant Stargazer have succulent, pearly white, firm flesh with a low oil content, not readily flaked.  Check for pin bones.  Ideal marinated.

For meal ideas using Giant Stargazer, check out the recipes on the Greatest Meal on Earth website.