Blue cod
species of fish
The New Zealand blue cod (Parapercis colias) is a temperate marine ray-finned fish of the family Pinguipedidae. It is also known as Boston blue cod, New Zealand cod, and sand perch, and by its Māori names, rāwaru, pākirikiri, and patutuki.
It is exclusively found in New Zealand, in shallow waters around rocky coasts to a depth of 150 m (490 ft), though it is far more common south of Cook Strait. It is bluish green to blue-black above with white toward the belly. Large examples are usually greenish blue in colour, while smaller ones are blotched in varying shades of brown. An adult may grow to 60 cm (24 in) in length and weigh from 1.0 to 3.0 kg (2.2 to 6.6 lb). It feeds mainly on small fish and crabs. Blue cod is territorial. Spawning takes place in southern spring. Blue cod can also change sex from female to male.
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