Chocolate fish

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The chocolate fish, a "species" that is "indigenous" to New Zealand, comprises a fish-shaped confection, 6 to 8 inches long, made of pink or white marshmallow covered in a thin layer of milk chocolate.

Retailers normally sell chocolate fish individually in a standard size, but in recent years large "Giant Fish" and packets of small "Spratz" have also come into circulation. The fish has circulated in electronic form as an email attachment symbol.

The chocolate fish has become recognised tender as a "thank you", an apology, or a reward for a good idea — widely used in the corporate world and the public service, possibly because it easily fits within a standard envelope and can usually survive posting. A chocolate fish also makes a popular forfeit — among friends someone who makes a small mistake or loses a bet might expect to have to distribute such fish.

Chocolate fish have entered the New Zealand culture to the extent that any Kiwi can understand the expression, "Give that man a chocolate fish". The role of chocolate fish as cultural icon seems largely confined to New Zealand, although the confection has become available for purchase in some other countries.

[edit] Cultural references

The McGillicuddy Serious Party made an election promise to replace money with chocolate fish (satirising Social Credit).

Former Black Caps cricket-player and coach, John Bracewell, once announced his employment as "chocolate fish boner", which some English media reported seriously.

In Wellington, Seatoun's Chocolate Fish Café has become a well-known restaurant.