Sustainability of this New Zealand fish stock is ensured through the world-leading Fisheries Act and Quota Management System (QMS). The QMS guides the sustainable use of New Zealand fisheries. Find out what the QMS is and how it works. Sustainability of this New Zealand fish stock is ensured through the world-leading Fisheries Act and Quota Management System (QMS). The QMS guides the sustainable use of New Zealand fisheries. Find out what the QMS is and how it works.

Black cardinalfish is mainly caught using the method of trawling.

In New Zealand, the species is usually called Black Cardinalfish to distinguish it from the shallow water, bright red Cardinalfish of tropical and subtropical waters.  It is thought to be slow growing and long-lived, with much of the commercial catch between 35 and 55 years old.