piharau
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.
Ko te mātahi o te tau Māori (hei te takiwā o Hune) te wā e rere ai te piharau (Te Ara 2011). / The first month of the Māori year (around June) is the time when the lamprey are running.
Synonyms: kanakana wairaki, korokoro, kanakana, nganangana, pihapiharau, pipiharau, tuna korokoro, wairaki, waituere, pia, puhikorokoro
