Mercury levels in black cardinalfish (Epigonus telescopus)

Abstract

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.