Spring 2025/26
Allans Beach— Otago Peninsula. In this year’s spring sample, cockabullies (Triplefins, yellow) were important again similar to last year. Some Sprat (red) was recorded, but it was Bullies (light grey) that were present >10% RRA for the first time: Graham’s gudgeon has been recorded in the diet of Otago kororā before, so this was not surprising. Tarakihi and Red Moki (orange, not visible in pie chart) also occurred, while “other” prey (white) were Whitebait (two species of Galaxiids), Blue moki and Thornfish. Non-fish prey were Jellyfish, Krill, Southern Arrow squid and Club pigmy octopus, but none were important.
Cameron's Beach and Punakaiki (West Coast South Island). This spring sample from Cameron’s Beach looked very different to the one from the previous year that had a lot of Lanternfishes present. This year Anchovies (blue) were the most important prey, and Pilchard (red) were also recorded. Minor prey were Tarakihi (orange, not visible in pie chart), Cockabullies (Triplefins, yellow, not visible in pie chart), and Blue warehou (pink). “Other” prey (white) were Inanga and Red cod but were not important. No non-fish prey was recorded.