Fish are an enduring love affair says Andrew Stewart, of Te Papa, who is part of a team that has spent 20 years collating information on all of New Zealand's 1262 fish species. PHOTO: TE PAPA : Quite a catch

A female bearded angler emits light from its top lure and its chin barbel. This specimen has a parasitic male attached underneath towards the back. PHOTO: TE PAPA : Quite a catch

Mr Blobby, the blobfish, became the ''face'' of the Ugly Animal Preservation Society after being caught and photographed in New Zealand waters. PHOTO: NORFANZ FOUNDING PARTIES : Quite a catch

Carl Struthers, of Te Papa, holds a slimy giant hagfish caught off White Island, Bay of Plenty. PHOTO: TE PAPA : Quite a catch

A John Dory cruises past the entrance to Northern Arch at the Poor Knights Marine Reserve, northern New Zealand, at a depth of about 40m. The reserve has been in place since 1981 and is now a haven for marine life. PHOTO: CRISPIN MIDDLETON : Quite a catch