Average length 40-70cmAverage weight 1.5-2.5kg
Occurs around New Zealand and southern Australia. Different to the cods of the northern hemisphere which belong to the family Gadidae.
Greyish red-brown above, becoming white with a pink flush below; a prominent dark spot in front of pectoral fin. Soft, easily dislodged scales. Distinguished from the hake and southern blue whiting by pink colouring, and from bastard red cods by a square tipped tail. Less easily distinguished from several uncommon deepwater cods.
Found from shallow coastal water to over 700m. Most abundant around the South Island in 100-300m. Caught mainly by trawling; main grounds I the Canterbury Bight and off Westland. Landed all year round with main season from February to June. A moderate resource.
