Distribution:

Eastern Atlantic: France and western Mediterranean to Sénégal, including Azores, Madeira, Canaries and offshore seamounts; Cape Fria, Namibia to Agulhas Bank, South Africa including northern Walvis Ridge. Southern Indian Ocean: seamounts 30 to 35°S. Southwest Pacific: Australia (New South Wales to southern West Australia) and New Zealand. A doubtful record from Cape San Lucas, Mexico.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal softrays (total): 98-110; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft-rays: 59-66; Vertebrates: 105-114. Second anal-fin spine plate-like. Pyloric caeca 20 - 29. Body uniformly silvery. Pelvic fin very small.

Biology:

Occurs on continental shelf, along its edge and upper slope down to 400 m (600 m in Australia), usually over sandy and muddy bottoms from 100 to 250 m (over 300 m in Australia). Migrates into midwater at night. Forms schools; occasionally found inshore in upwelling of deep water when it appears at surface. Feeds on crustaceans, small squid and fish.

Max. size: 205.0 cm