Pouting/bib are a member of the cod family, it is a common fish in inshore waters, particularly in rocky areas where large schools form around wrecks and reefs. Pouting/bib are extremely common in shallow water around the coast of the British Isles. They move inshore to depths of 50 m or less to spawn in March to April. Spawning occurs between March and April and reach sexual maturity in their first year at around 21-25cm. Can attain a size in excess of 40 cm, but more usually between about 20-32 cm. The maximum reported age reached is 4 years. Sub-legal sized pouting/bib usually feed on brown and pink shrimps (Crangon and Pandalus) and shore crabs (Carcinus) in estuaries whilst adult's diets have not been studied. The peak abundance is between mid-September to mid-October with peak spawning between March and May.