TAONGA SPECIES
Māori communities around the country note that the abundance, size and/or distribution of tuna, kōura and kāeo/kākahi is declining and that current populations aren’t sufficient to meet their needs (socially, culturally or economically). Māori communities must be actively involved in the sustainable management of these species so their importance is recognised and prioritised in co-management, monitoring and restoration approach.
- NIWA on Cultural Keystone Species
Taonga species - Inanga
Inanga are the most abundant whitebait species and are widely distributed in Aotearoa. Īnanga can migrate well inland in some rivers but are normally considered a coastal species. They are the smallest of all whitebait species, usually reaching 100-110mm. Found in most rivers and streams in Aotearoa they form the bulk of the whitebait catch - source NIWA
LINKS:
NIWA website on Īnanga - NIWA website
Download PDF on Īnanga - NIWA website
Iīnanga life cycle PDF - NIWA website
Taonga species Kanae (Mullet)
There are two kinds. Grey mullet and Yellow eye mullet.Grey mullet have a thick and fleshy vertical slit over the pupil called an adipose eye. Yellow-eye mullet have no adipose eye and have a bright yellow eye (where they get their name from).
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Taonga species Kākahi (Freshwater mussels)
There are three species of kākahi identified so far. All three species look slightly different and are found living together, or on their own, in different regions of Aotearoa. Kākahi live in freshwater environments ranging from small fast-flowing streams to large lakes. Kākahi are long-lived, with one species (Echyridella menziesii) estimated to live on average between 12 -30 years, but can live as long as 50 - 60 years. Unlike marine mussels that attach themselves to surrounding rocks or other substrates, kākahi use their foot to move around, anchor themselves and burrow into sediment. - NIWA
LINKS:
Download PDF - NIWA Toanga series - Kākahi
Taonga species Kōura (Freshwater Crayfish)
Kōura (also known as kēwai) are freshwater crayfish endemic to Aotearoa.
There are two species of kōura in Aotearoa:
Paranephrops planifrons
Paranephrops zealandicus
LINKS:
Rangitane education - fab pdf with Kōura picture to colour in.
Download NIWA PDF of Lifecycle (Te Reo version)
Download NIWA PDF of Lifecycle (English)
Taonga species Pātika (Black Flounder)
Pātiki are found in shallow, brackish (slightly salty) waters including harbours, estuaries and inlets, coastal lakes and even rivers.
Sand, yellow-belly and greenback flounder choose places to live where they can hide in plain sight. They like muddy and sandy bottoms where they can bury themselves just below the surface and camouflage themselves. These three species tend to live in shallow water when they are young and move into deeper water as adults.
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Taonga species Piharau (Lamprey)
Piharau (also known as kanakana) are anadromous, which means they start their lives in freshwater streams, before migrating to sea after three to four years. They only return to freshwater to breed.
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Taonga species Tuna (Freshwater eel)
Adult longfin eels like fast-flowing water and stony river beds, and are often found further upstream. While shortfins like slower moving water and are often found in swamps lakes, rivers and streams near the coast. However, both species (types) are often found in the same place. Generally, small eels like shallower water and large eels like deeper water.
Longfin and shortfin eels can be found all over Aotearoa except in places where they have been unable to get past obstacles – such as large dams, or where the habitat that they like has been removed, damaged or polluted.
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