An eel-like fish with a large head. Orange-pink markings above form irregular bar-like markings and blotches on the paler white that spreads up from the underbelly. This gives the fish a mottled appearance. The skin is thick and smooth with fine scales. The dorsal and anal fins are marked by dark bars and pale margins.

Ling belong to the Ophidiidae family (cusk eels). They are found at depths between 200 and 800 metres. Ling appear to be bottom dwellers and at times can inhabit burrows on the seafloor. They do however move up in the water column to feed as well, for example, when feeding on hoki during the hoki spawning season.

Depending on the area, spawning occurs from late winter to summer. Ling live to a maximum of 30 years.

Ling are widely distributed in the New Zealand EEZ, particularly to the south of latitude 40°S.  Ling are caught mainly off the southern South Island coast and on the Campbell Plateau. They are caught by longline and trawl.