Pale Ghost Shark

Pale Ghost Shark (Hydrolagus bemisi)

The Pale Ghost Shark is a cartilaginous fish occasionally marketed under the generic name Pearl Fillets.

This species is characterised by a paler golden-brown dorsal surface, fading to white on the belly, and lacks the dark mottling or spots seen on the Dark Ghost Shark. It has a blunt, rounded head, large eyes, very large pectoral fins, a long tapering tail, and soft, delicate skin that can be easily damaged. Pale Ghost Shark is caught year-round, with commercial specimens typically measuring 50–80 cm in length (excluding the tail filament) and weighing 600 g–1.5 kg. It yields white, firm, and moist fillets with a mild, sweet flavour, making it highly versatile in the kitchen. It is ideal for frying (especially for fish and chips), baking, poaching, and steaming. The species is managed under New Zealand’s Quota Management System (QMS) as part of the total Ghost Shark species catch, ensuring sustainable harvesting.

Catch Areas: GSP1 and GSP5