[4][5][6] Nototodarus sloanii is sought by trawler fishermen for human consumption; New Zealand sea lions are frequently caught in trawl nets and drowned when feeding on N.

[7] The species inhabits the coastal regions and the continental shelf around New Zealand to a depth of about 500 m, at a broad range of temperatures but more inclined towards colder waters.

It also has broad fins angled 40–50 degrees and eight tentacles, mainly composed of the tentacular club, with sucker rings containing 11 to 13 conical teeth with low platelets; arm sucker rings with 11–15 short teeth surrounding a central one.

The squids reproduce sexually; they have a mating ritual that can be behavioral, physical, and morphological.

Embryos hatch at a planktonic stage until they grow into benthic adults that live for just over a year, and due to a high growth rate, they reach maturity at around 200 days.

The arrow squid has a short lifespan, rapid growth and development, and ability to have their appearance molded.