Grey with a blue tinge, darker on the dorsal ridge, and with many small, black spots and shades to silver-white on the belly. Southern blue whiting have three dorsal and two anal fins that distinguish the species from small hake. They have a slender but moderately rounded body, large eyes and mouth, and loose scales that are easily dislodged.

Southern blue whiting belong to the Gadidae family (true cods).  They are found in the cool Sub-Antarctic water of the Campbell Plateau, Pukaki Rise, and Bounty Platform. They school near the seabed at depths of 300 and 650 metres. They also spend time in mid-water at night and during the early spring spawning season. They feed on plankton and small fishes. The species is also found off the coast of South America.

They are mainly caught south of New Zealand on the Campbell Plateau and Bounty Platform by trawling, especially during the spawning season (August to early October).