Pronunciation: [hˈapjuːkə] (IPA) 
The word "hapuka" is a Maori name for a type of fish that is commonly found in New Zealand waters. It is spelled with four letters, "h-a-p-u-k-a", and is pronounced as "huh-poo-kuh" in IPA phonetic transcription. The "h" is pronounced as a voiceless glottal fricative, the "a" as an open central unrounded vowel, the "p" as a voiceless bilabial plosive, the "u" as a close back rounded vowel, and the "k" as a voiceless velar plosive.
Hapuka refers to a species of fish belonging to the family Gempylidae, primarily found in the waters of New Zealand and Australia. It is a predatory fish characterized by its elongated body and large mouth. The term "hapuka" is specifically used to describe two different species of fish: the groper (Polyprion oxygeneios) and the bass (Polyprion americanus).
The groper hapuka, also known as the Australasian groper or barracouta, is a renowned game fish that inhabits rocky reefs and deep waters. It possesses a stout body, a blunt head, and an impressive size, with individuals typically weighing around 30 to 50 kilograms. The groper hapuka boasts a dusky coloration and features a distinct pattern of blotches and stripes on its body. Due to its abundance and popularity among anglers, it has become an important commercial fish.
On the other hand, the bass hapuka, or oilfish, is a deep-sea fish commonly found in the subtropical and tropical waters around New Zealand. It possesses a slender body with a pointed nose and a large mouth. The bass hapuka can grow up to 2 meters in length and can weigh more than 100 kilograms. This species has a distinctive appearance, characterized by its pale coloration and dark, vibrant stripes running along its body.
Both the groper hapuka and the bass hapuka are highly sought after for their delicious, white flesh, ideal for culinary purposes. They are commonly featured in seafood dishes and are often enjoyed pan-fried or grilled.
