The northern bastard codling, Pseudophycis breviuscula, is a morid cod of the genus Pseudophycis, found around southern Australia including Tasmania, and New Zealand, from the surface to 220 m. Its length is between 15 and 25 cm. The northern bastard codling is similar in general appearance to the rattails, with large eyes and an elongated, tapering body, but the northern bastard codling has a separate, very rounded caudal fin.