The Acadian redfish is native to the waters of the northwestern Atlantic Ocean and its range extends from Virginia, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Nova Scotia, western Greenland and Iceland. It is found at depths varying between 70 and 500 m (230 and 1,640 ft).^[2] It swims near the seabed in areas with clay-silt or rocky bottoms.

The Acadian redfish feeds on a variety of crustaceans, mollusks, and smaller fish.^[5] In addition, the Acadian redfish mates in the fall to late winter through means of “ovoviviparous reproduction” with around “15,000 [to] 20,000 extruded larvae produced per female” per season.^[6] Due to its slow growth rate, low fecundity, harmless nature, tendency to “hit almost any bait,” and being considered a great food fish, the redfish has become endangered.^[4][5] Due to conservation efforts, the redfish population has rebounded and the species has been declared fully rebuilt as of June, 2012.^[7] The Acadian redfish is preyed on by the halibut, the Atlantic cod, swordfishes andharbor seals.^[2]

The Acadian redfish is very similar in appearance to the deepwater redfish Sebastes mentella. The two species can be distinguished by the number of soft rays in the anal fin, internal examination of the gas bladder, or by genetic testing.