[4] Prionotus carolinus can be identified by its broad spiny head, tapering body, blue eyes, and large, wing-like pectoral fins.

They prefer the sandy bottoms of the waterbed,[1] where they feed by kicking up sediment to find food, using their "legs".

[7] Prionotus carolinus feeds on a wide variety of invertebrates, including shrimp, crabs, amphipods, squid, bivalve mollusks, and segmented worms.

The spines make it difficult to clean them, but they have edible flesh that is comparable with kingcroaker or whiting and can be broiled and baked.

[6] Other uses for the northern sea robin are processing into fish meal, pet food or fertiliser.