Colouration varies considerably between animals found at different locations and depths.

Occur on the continental shelf and slope, often found around rocky reefs inhabited by blue cod.

Feed on squid, shrimps and fish.

This fish is one of very few that are known to bear live young! Head and dorsal-fin spines are venomous . Many fishers consider this fish inferior to blue cod. Apart from the smaller fillet size due to the large head of the Jock Stewart, it has a firm white flesh that has great texture and fantastic flavour.
Often stands at attention on it's pectoral fins for long periods of time hence the name soldierfish.

NZ Marine Fishes: Paul