A widespread species which occurs in the eastern Atlantic Ocean (Norway to South Africa), Mediterranean Sea, New Zealand, Australia and Japan. Olive-brown with a golden sheen, and a dark spot on the center of each side. Quite common in the coastal water of northern New Zealand, particularly from the Bay of Plenty northwards, but not abundant in any locality. Does not school. Caught in mixed species trawl catches where the main species sought are snapper and tarakihi. Some are also caught by Danish seiners. Landings are fairly constant throughout the year. A small resource.