Individuals of length less than 10 cm (3.94 in) are only found in shallower waters, reaching a depth of 130 m (427 ft) on the Burdwood Bank.

[7] In general, this species is a benthic feeder with a moderately diverse diet[8] that mainly feeds on zooplankton,[8] especially those of crustacean (e.g. amphipods) and gelatinous origin.

[3] The diet of juveniles of total length 10–16 cm (3.94-6.30 in) includes mostly copepods in summer and the comb jelly Mnemiopsis leydyi in winter.

Adults of total length 17–34 cm (6.69-13.39 in) consume mainly plankton in summer, with comb jellies and salps being of primary importance.

[4] After the collapse of southern blue whiting stocks in the Southwest Atlantic in 2004-2007, this species overtook its ecological role, and exhibited a 20-30 fold increase in catches.

[4] The white-coloured flesh is described as having 'a seaweedy, shellfishy odour, sweet and meaty taste, quite similar to cod, and a firm and elastic texture'.

In addition, it is considered to be a healthy and nutritious species for human consumption owing to the high protein and moderate fat contents, similar to other commercially exploited species such as hake, halibut, sea bass and cod, and its high concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. The flesh, with an average yield of about 40%, also contains significant amounts of magnesium, calcium and potassium.

[11] Large-scale commercial fisheries first started in 1985 with Soviet Union fishing fleets landing 5,969 tonnes (6,580 tons) that year.