Kermadec Kahawai

Arripis xylabion

The Kermadec Kahawai is a pelagic fish found in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, particularly around New Zealand, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, and the Kermadec Islands. It has a streamlined, elongate body that is slightly compressed, with a deep bluish-green to steep-blue coloration on the head and body, marked by irregular dark grey spots dorsally. The underparts are silvery white, and the fins range from grey to translucent. This species can grow up to 85 cm in length. Divers can distinguish the Kermadec Kahawai from similar species by its longer caudal fin, which exceeds the length of its head, and its larger eyes. The gill raker count also differs from other species in its genus. Juveniles can be identified by a dark margin on their anal fin. This species is typically found inshore over the continental shelf, with most occurrences recorded at depths shallower than 40 meters, and 90% shallower than 30 meters. It is not evaluated for conservation status by the IUCN, and encounters with this species are generally harmless to humans. Divers may observe these fish actively swimming in coastal waters, where they are part of the pelagic-neritic ecosystem.