This species is caught commercially by trawling, as bycatch in the prawn fishing industry and by recreational anglers.

The diamond-shaped fins, which extend for almost the whole length of the mantle are widest in the middle, and are more than half as wide as they are long.

[3][5] The southern reef squid is native to the subtropical Indo-Pacific region where it is found between 16°S and 42°S, and between 112°E and 179°E.

If attacked, it can emit a cloud of purple ink and escape while the water is opaque.

It is caught commercially by trawling, and is also taken as bycatch in the prawn fishing industry and by recreational anglers using trolled jigs over seagrass meadows.