Fishes that you may see at the Poor Knights Islands A to C

With such protection as a marine reserve offers and the natural biodiversity that the Poor Knights Islands have, the fish species seen here over the year is very impressive. Many of the species reside there all year around, whilst others will visit when food, currents and temperatures dictate.

Below are is a growing list of some of the fish we have seen and photographed since 2012. This page and the list of fishes will be added to as we find time to work on it and are lucky enough to see more species.

Fishes A to C

Big Eye Fish

Pempheris adspersa

Black Angel Fish.

Parma alboscapularis

They are type of the damselfish, part of the the family Pomacentridae, Pomacentridae are a family of ray-finned fish, comprising the damselfishes and clownfishes. found around northeastern New Zealand to depths of a few metres, over shallow rocky reef areas.

They eat algae and appear to care for a rock covered in light green algae like a gardener caring for a garden. This actually contributes to preserving the health and diversity of the reefs ecosystem.

The eggs are attached to rocks and guarded by the male parent from other fish who would enjoy them as a meal. So if you see an angel fish and it charges you, just give it some space as whilst it may feel you are a threat, other fish may be raiding the nest.

Juvenile angel fish take on a different look from their territorial adults to avoid being attacked.

The adult length is between 24 and 28 cm.

A male Angel fish protecting and aerating the eggs that are stuck to a large rock.

Black Marlin

Makaira indica

Only seen once underwater in March 2025 at Northern Arch. Guiding a group and a shoal of koheru started swimming frantically. I looked up and saw the marlin swiminto the shoal and catch one, shake its head and swallow it. It then cruised away and tracked the shoal before swimming away.