Silvery-grey body with blackish fins and minute scales. The body is deep with an oval profile. The body of juveniles is covered with numerous large, dark spots, fading in adults.

Smooth oreo belong to the Oreosomatidae family (oreos). They are not members of the Zeidae family (true dories) despite their market name. Smooth oreo are found only in the Southern Hemisphere. They are a deepwater species with a preferred depth-range of between 600 and 1000 metres.  In New Zealand, smooth oreo are found mainly along the south Chatham Rise, off the east coast of the South Island and in the southern regions on the Campbell Plateau, Pukaki Rise, Bounty Platform, Snares slope and northern Macquarie Ridge. They form schools near pinnacles and feed on crustaceans, fish and squid. Juveniles are thought to be pelagic for the first 5-6 years.   

Spawning occurs from late October to December, particularly on the south Chatham Rise. They are thought to be slow growing and to live to ages in excess of 80 years.