[5] It is a marine, temperate-water dwelling eel which is known from Japan and the Kyushu–Palau Ridge, in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.

Males can reach a maximum total length of 40 centimeters.

[4] This species' remarkably large and distinct leptocephalus larvae were previously known under the name Thalassenchelys coheni.

[6] These larvae reach a maximum size of 30 cm (12 in) and have a number of unusual characteristics, including two forward-facing front teeth that may be used for feeding on different prey than other eel larvae.

[8] Its own diet includes finfish such as Diaphus coeruleus, Diaphus sagamiensis, Hymenocephalus lethonemus, Synagrops japonicus, and species of Macrura, as well as euphausiid plankton crustaceans and polychaetes.