Relatively slender body, with trunk tapering slightly toward the head. Broad and moderately long, bell-shaped snout (preoral snout about 7 to 8 % of total body length).. Adults have small eyes. Short gill slits. Large nostrils (incurrent and excurrent apertures large and oval). First dorsal fin about as large as second dorsal fin. Origin of first dorsal fin slightly anterior to the midbases of pelvic fins. Insertion of second dorsal fin about opposite insertion of anal fin. Pelvic fins high and broadly rounded. Short anal fin (slightly more than three times as long as high).
Coloration
Dark brown, no conspicuous markings.
Distribution
Western North Atlantic: Massachusetts, Delaware, northern Gulf of Mexico. Eastern North Atlantic: Iceland, southwestern Ireland, Canary Islands.
Biology
A little-known deepwater species found near or at the bottom over upper continental slopes, at depths between about 550 and 1450 m.Supposedly fairly common.
Diet
Unknown.
Size
Maximum size about 68 cm, average size between 50 and 60 cm.
Reproduction
Most likely oviparous (egg laying).
Similar Species
Other species of the same genus (Apristurus) have a similar appearance but no others live in the same area.
Vulnerability
Category:Least Concern (LC) Criteria: - Last evaluated:2020 Trend:
