Fin's Fish Guide
The Hoka (Pseudophycis bachus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Moridae that grows up to 90 cm.
Temperate waters around New Zealand and southern Australia; soft and rocky bottoms.
Description
The red cod is a cod-like fish of the morid cod family (Moridae) from the temperate waters around New Zealand and southern Australia. The species grows to about 60 cm and has a reddish to bronze body with a small chin barbel. It usually lives on soft mud or sand bottoms, but also on rocky bottoms, in estuaries, bays and on the continental shelf; in New Zealand it is most abundant at 200 to 300 m along the shelf edge. As a bottom predator it feeds on crustaceans, fishes and worms. It is a valued food fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Hoka?
The Hoka has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Red-bronze cod-like fish with a chin barbel; numerous along the edge of the continental shelf.
Where does the Hoka live?
The Hoka lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Temperate waters around New Zealand and southern Australia; soft and rocky bottoms.
How big does the Hoka get?
The Hoka grows to a maximum of about 90 cm. On average the species is around 55 cm.
Is the Hoka dangerous to humans?
No, the Hoka is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Hoka edible?
Yes, the Hoka is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pseudophycis
More from the family Moridae
Want the complete picture on the Hoka?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Hoka is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone