[2] The lizard catshark is native to the Atlantic coast of South America where it is present off Brazil.

It is found on the upper part of the continental slope at depths of between 250 and 500 metres (820 and 1,640 ft)[1] among deepwater reefs where there are corals, tube sponges, gorgonians, crinoids and brittle stars.

[2] The lizard catshark lays a pair of eggs which are encased in greyish-green capsules with filamentous exteriors.

This is because it has a small total population and a limited range, only 600 kilometres (370 mi) of coastline, and lays its eggs in patches of coral which are susceptible to damage through trawling.

The IUCN advocates the cessation of trawling on the lower continental shelf and upper slope of the reefs to prevent further decline in this species.