The systematic position and morphological characters of H.platessoides are presented. The geographical distribution, habitat and seasonal movements of the sp are described. Data on stomach contents and feeding behaviour are presented. Age and growth studies are also carried out and data on sexual maturity and reproduction are given. There are no significant morphological differences between the populations from the southern banks of Newfoundland and the Cap Breton are, however, biological and physiological differences between the 2 populations, especially in the diet, growth rates, spawning and sexual maturity. There are also differences in growth rates and size at 1st sexual maturity, between male and female.