Mercury levels in black cardinalfish (Epigonus telescopus)

Abstract

Forty‐eight black cardinalfish (Epigonus telescopus) were sampled in 1990 from a major commercial fishery off the east coast of the North Island, New Zealand, to determine their flesh mercury levels. The mean mercury level was 1.47 mg kg⁻¹, well above the maximum permissible level of 0.5 mg kg⁻¹ set by the New Zealand Department of Health under the Food Regulations (1984/262) for fish sold on the local market. The overall range was 0.59 to 2.15 mg kg⁻¹. Mercury level and fish length are positively correlated in this species.

Keywords:

• Epigonus telescopus
• mercury
• food fish
• accumulation factors