It is found in the waters off subtropical South Africa, in the western Indian Ocean between latitudes 27 and 33°S.

They are gray with a white underside, and they have a blunt nose with large fused nasal flaps.

They feed primarily on crustaceans such as crabs, shrimps, lobsters and some molluscs like squid.

After gestating for nine to ten months, females give birth to pups that are about 34 cm long.

[2] Newborn flapnose houndsharks have white coloured edges on their dorsal, anal and caudal fin.