It is found in the eastern Atlantic between latitudes 20° N and 17° S, at depths between 45 and 500 m. It can grow up to a length of 80 centimetres (31 in).

The West African catshark has a stout body and a somewhat flattened head, the greatest width of which is at least two thirds of its length.

It has no nasoral grooves, the flap that covers the nostrils extends just as far as the mouth and there are labial furrows on the lower jaws only.

[2] [3] The West African catshark is found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean at depths between 45 and 500 metres (148 and 1,640 ft).

This shark has been little studied but is thought to be an egg-laying species as egg cases measuring about 8 by 3 centimetres (3.1 in × 1.2 in) have been found that are believed to belong to it.