kanakana
1. (noun) lamprey, Geotria australis - an eel-like fish that has a sucker mouth with horny teeth and a rasping tongue. A highly valued food of Māori. Found around North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands coasts, penetrating inland to 230 km. Ngāi Tahu name for piharau.
Kīia ai te utu piharau e ngā iwi o Te Wai Pounamu ko te pā kanakana (Te Ara 2011). / Lamprey weirs were known as pā kanakana in the South Island.
See also piharau
Synonyms: kanakana wairaki, korokoro, nganangana, pihapiharau, pipiharau, tuna korokoro, wairaki, waituere, pia, puhikorokoro, piharau
