[4] It is a subtropical, marine eel which is known from the Nazca and Sala y Gómez ridges, in the southeastern Pacific Ocean.

It dwells at a depth range of 145–250 metres, and leads a nocturnal lifestyle.

Males can reach a maximum total length of 41.1 centimetres.

[3] The eel's diet includes benthic crustaceans and polychaetes.

[5] The species epithet refers to David G. Smith, noted for specializing in the study of eels.