Species

Blue Maomao

Scorpis violacea, (Hutton, 1873)

marine

About Blue Maomao

The blue maomao (Scorpis violacea), also known as the violet sweep, blue sweep or hardbelly, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a member of the subfamily Scorpidinae, part of the sea chub family Kyphosidae. It is native to the southwestern Pacific Ocean from Australia to New Zealand and the Kermadec Islands, where it can be found in inshore waters from the surface to depths of 30 m (98 ft). This fish can reach a length of 40 cm (16 in). It is commercially important and is also a popular game fish.

Appearance

The blue maomao has a laterally, compressed and relatively deep body with a noticeably forked tail. They have protrusible jaws, equipped with a number of rows of small, closely set teeth, which are used to capture larger zooplankton. The adults are deep blue dorsally and pale ventrally, at night they change colour to a mottled dark green. The juveniles are grey with a yellow anal fin. They can grow to a fork length of 45 centimetres (18 in). The dorsal fin has 9 spines and 27 soft rays and the anal fin has 2 spines and 25 soft rays.

Habitat

Blue maomao are found in the southwestern Pacific Ocean around North Island, New Zealand, the Kermadec Islands and have been recorded in Australia.

Humans & conservation

Blue maomao are a quarry for commercial fisheries in New Zealand where 3,518 kilograms (7,756 lb) were landed in 2019. They are also popular with recreational fishermen, especially for spearfishing.

Where to see it

No dive sites list Blue Maomao yet. Explore the map to find sites near you.