Author: (Guichenot, 1848)
FBname: South Pacific hake
Remark: A different species/subspecies is recognized on the Peruvian coasts  <i>Merluccius peruanus</i> Ginsburg, 1954, that is recognized in FishBase as a provisionally valid species.  More studies are needed to clearly differentiate it (March 2021).
Comments: Occurs from the shallow continental shelf to the upper continental slope (Ref. 1371).  Sometimes found off the bottom or in midwater (Ref. 1371).  Migrates vertically to midwater at night to feed on fishes, squids and euphausiids (Ref. 27363).  Moves to southern coastal areas in summer and migrates to northern deeper waters (200-500 m depth) in winter and spring (Ref. 27363).  Spawning occurs at the end of the winter and during the southern spring (Ref. 58452).  Marketed fresh and frozen (Ref. 1371) and eaten steamed, fried, boiled and microwaved (Ref. 9988).  Also utilized as fishmeal (Ref. 1371).