Average size 12-20 inches, weighing about 4.5 pounds. Occurs only in New Zealand but is very similar to species found around Japan and Europe. Six species of stargazer occur around New Zealand but only the monkfish is commercially important.

Mottled olive brown above, white below; small fish have longitudinal pale stripes. A sharp prominent spine projecting above each pectoral base. The dull color and spines are characteristic of this species.
 

Moderately common in shelf waters about southern New Zealand 60-600m. Caught by trawling. Landings decline over the winter, May-August. A moderate resource.

Pearly white flesh, firm texture, will not readily flake. Suited to most cooking methods, and when cooked has characteristics and flavor similar to rock lobster. The trimmed body is similar to that of the European monkfish, which is actually an anglerfish, apart from small pin bones which should be removed if sold as fillets.

In the Northern Hemisphere the common name monkfish refers to certain members of the family Lophiidae (anglerfish) which are superficially similar to the New Zealand monkfish. The following names are used in Europe for this group.
France: Baudroie, Lotte
Italy: Rana pescatrice
Spain: Rape

FAMILY:
Uranoscopidae (stargazers)

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