| Citation | Paul, L., 2000, New Zealand fishes. Identification, natural history and fisheries.. Reed Books, Auckland. |
| Ref. | 72381 Paul, L., 2000 |
| Page | 60 |
| Named Used as Valid | Merluccius australis |
| Comment | |
| Locality | |
| Distribution | South Island, the Chatham, Rise, and Campbell Plateau, in 200-800 m but on present knowledge most common in 500-700 m off the Westland coast during the winter spawning season. |
| Quote | Average size 70-100 cm, reaching about 130 cm. Voracious predators on medium sized fishes and squid. |