Mottled olive green/brown body above and white below with an elongated and flattened body and a prominent bony head with eyes that look upwards. A strong spine projects from each side behind the pectoral fin base. There are no scales.

Low intertidal to depths of between 50 metres and 500 metres off the continental shelf.

They bury themselves in soft sediment and prey on passing fish and crustaceans. Can stay in one spot for many hours awaiting unsuspecting prey.

A popular eating fish! Huge fishery in Foveaux Strait area. Considered to be a delicacy in Italy and France.

NZ Marine Fishes: Paul http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/what-we-do/publications/-best-fish-guide-/stargazer/monkfish (Accessed 14/04/13)