It is found throughout the tropical and temperate parts of the world's oceans, mainly in the Pacific near Japan and New Zealand, at depths of 300–2,000 m. This species seems very closely related to some flabby whalefish and it was initially believed to belong to that family by some.

Body and fins are covered with tiny spicules, resulting in a velvety feel that inspires the name.

[3] Young whalefish make nightly vertical migrations into the lower mesopelagic zone to feed on copepods.

When males make the transition to adults, they develop a massive liver, and then their jaws fuse shut.

They no longer eat, but continue to metabolise the energy stored in their liver.