Color reddish pink becoming paler towards the belly, vertical fins with dark margins; a dark black blotch on the pectoral fin base.

Found usually on soft muddy or sandy bottoms. Also on rocky bottoms, in estuaries, bays and continental shelf. In New Zealand, most abundant in 200 to 300 m along the edge of the continental shelf. May be found at depths exceeding 700 m

Feeds primarily on fishes, cephalopods, crabs and other crustaceans.

Deemed to be a poor man's eating fish as the fillets tend to fall apart and the flesh often contains parasites but is very good smoked.
Daily limit per person 30, minimum size 250 mm. The maori name 'Hoka' is very appropriate as it means to eat anything"."

NZ Marine Fishes: Paul
Cohen, D.M., T. Inada, T. Iwamoto and N. Scialabba, 1990. FAO species catalogue. Vol. 10. Gadiform fishes of the world (Order Gadiformes). An annotated and illustrated catalogue of cods, hakes, grenadiers and other gadiform fishes known to date. FAO Fish. Synop. 125(10). Rome: FAO. 442 p.