It has been found in seas worldwide, concentrated in the North Atlantic, living on continental slopes and abyssal plains.

[11] The outer edges of pectoral and pelvic fins shade to darker.

[9] The upper surface is spinulose, but there are bare patches in the centre of the pectoral fins and on sides of body in adult males.

[13] It is parasitised by Echeneibothrium bathyphilum, a cestode tapeworm of the order Rhinebothriidea.

Paired eggs are laid, with embryos feed solely on yolk.