Average size about 40cmWeighing 400gm
Occurs around New Zealand and southern South America; a similar but smaller species occurs in the northern hemisphere.
Grey, faintly bluish above, with many small black spots, silver-white below; small, loose scales. Distinguished from small hake by three dorsal and two anal fins, but similar to some other deepwater cods.
The Russian name for this fish, poutassou, is used in a number of other countries. Deepwater, mainly demersal, but becoming increasingly pelagic in the spring spawning season. Abundant south of New Zealand on the Campbell Plateau and Pukaki Rise in 300-600m. Caught by trawling. Main catching season during the spawning season, August to early October. A very large resource, probably capable of yielding up to 50,000 tonnes per annum.
