It differs from other lobsters such as Homarus and Nephrops norvegicus in that its two main claws are of equal size, rather than being differentiated into a crusher and a pincher.

[6] Occurrences of Metanephrops are prevalent on the west side of ocean basins, especially the Indo-West-Pacific, ranging from latitudes of 35∘N to 50∘S.

They consume a diet largely consisting of the corpses of pelagic and benthic species that have fallen to the sea floor.

Specific examples of their typical diet include small marine organisms such as plankton and parasites, ghost shark (Hydrolagus novaezealandiae), silver warehou (Seriolella punctata), tall sea pen (Funiculina quadrangularis) and the salp (Ihlea racovitzai).

In one study, viable eggs were produced 3 days following an instance where sperm uptake was successful after copulation.

[7] Metanephrops begin their lives in a platonic larval stage that must undergo several cycles of multing to reach maturity.

[7] Upon entering the zoea larval stage individuals of Metanephrops are typically 10-15mm long and bear notably well developed eyes that are stalked with small cornea.

Stratigraphic, geographic and cladistic evidence suggest that Metanephrops developed in high southern latitudes.