Wildlife of the month - Kingfish
Andrew Simpson Aug 10, 2026
Seriola lalandi lalandi
One of New Zealand's most exciting encounters for divers, the Kingfish is a powerful, fast-moving predator that brings a rush of open-water energy to our coastal reefs. Here's what to know about this impressive species.
Habitat
Kingfish are a pelagic schooling fish, most commonly seen in New Zealand over the summer months. They are most likely to be spotted when diving around rocky reefs or pinnacles with access to open ocean and depth.
Feeding
Mainly piscivorous, the Kingfish's streamlined body shape makes it an excellent hunter of smaller fish. In New Zealand waters they target mainly baitfish, sprat, or squid.
Size
Kingfish can reach an impressive size of 1.7 metres and up to 55kg, though the average encounter is with fish in the 0.9 to 1.2 metre range.
Breeding Habits
Spawning occurs when the water starts to warm to over 17 degrees. Unlike some fish, Kingfish exhibit specific courtship behaviour including nipping, brushing against, and chasing of females by males. The courting lasts for about an hour before spawning is triggered by a male nipping a female's underside, at which point eggs are released into the water column.
Defence
As apex predators, Kingfish have few animals to watch out for (other than the odd spearfisherman or angler). They are extremely fast and streamlined, qualities that serve both as a hunting aid and a predator evasion technique. Part of their camouflage involves countershading, a change in pigment halfway up the body where the underside is lighter than the upper body. This makes them blend into the bright surface when viewed from below, and into darker depths when seen from above.
Description
Kingfish can be recognised by their yellow fin tips, particularly on their tail and dorsal fin. They have a streamlined body and a very narrow caudal peduncle where the tail meets the body. A yellow-tinted band runs laterally along the body, defining the countershading colouration they exhibit.
