The observations recorded in this paper were made during a bacteriological investigation of a serious outbreak of spoilage in various canned stockfish products. The bacteria which were ultimately found to be responsible for the spoilage were traced back to the fish on the trawler, and eventually the evidence suggested that the fish actually left the water in an infected condition. As a result of this it was thought that a study of the food-cycle of the stockfish might throw some light on the primary source of infection. The South African stockfish Merluccius capensis Cast. is apparently very similar morphologically to the Northern Atlantic form M. vulgaris, commonly known as hake, and may even be identical with it. The question, however, has not yet been satisfactorily settled, and at present M. capensis is regarded as a distinct species. Although it is one of the most important commercial fishes of South Africa and forms the bulk of the fish trawled round the coast of this country and half of the total fish harvest, no information has been published regarding its life-history, feeding habits, etc. Barnard (1) says of the stockfish: "It is very abundant at times, but seems to be uncertain in appearance. Like the Northern form, they probably migrate considerable distances, both for purposes of spawning and also from one food-ground to another." According to Gilchrist (2) their chief food seems to be one particular species of Macrurid, viz., Macrurus fasciatus. This appears to be the only first-hand reference there is on the subject.