The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified it as Critically Endangered due to significant fishing pressure.

One of the specimens, a 47 cm (19 in) long female from the Cilacap landing site in central Java, was designated the holotype.

The specific epithet comes from the Greek legnotos ("having a colored border"), in reference to the dark leading margins of the pectoral fins.

Therefore, specific information on its preferred natural habitat is unavailable, though it is probably bottom-dwelling in the deeper waters of the continental slope.

The broad, flattened head has a very short, blunt snout and small, widely spaced eyes placed somewhat on top.

[2] The pectoral fins are angular, with the anterior lobes of their bases free from the head, and their outer tips forming an angle of slightly under 120°.

The two dorsal fins are close in shape and size, with rounded to angular apexes and slightly convex trailing margins.