Feeds mainly on benthic organisms (Ref. 26807). Preyed upon by cod, pollock, white hake, harbor and grey seals. Parasites of the species include Lepidapedon rachion, Myxidium bergense, a coccidian parasite Eimeria gadi, 4 protozoans, 2 myxosporidians, 2 trematodes, 2 cestodes, 6 nematodes, 2 acanthocephalans and 4 copepods (Ref. 5951). See also Ref. 8999.