Eyes relatively large, greater than snout length in diameter. Anal fin originating near midlength of body, deeply indented at midlength, sometimes appearing as two. Ventral light organ absent. Color is generally gray.

Widespread but not abundant throughout New Zealand. Recorded from the upper continental slope.

Feeds on fishes, crustaceans, mollusks and other invertebrates as well as food of terrestrial origin, including garbage.

Probably a winter and early spring spawner. Regularly caught as bycatch in other offshore fisheries.

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.