This species is found only around New Zealand, although this species' collection records indicate it is widespread and probably continuously distributed over the mid- to lower slope around New Zealand.[2]: 80 The biology of all Apristurus species within the New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone is very poorly known due to the uncertain taxonomy of the group.[2]: 75 They appear to be most abundant below 1,000 m, and are the only sharks regularly taken in research trawls below 1,200 m on the Chatham Rise.[2]: 80 As relatively little fishing occurs below 1,200 m, a large part of their population may be effectively beyond fishing depths.[3]
^ abcRoberts, Clive; Stewart, A. L.; Struthers, Carl D.; Barker, Jeremy; Kortet, Salme; Freeborn, Michelle (2015). The fishes of New Zealand. Vol. 2. Wellington, New Zealand: Te Papa Press. ISBN9780994104168. OCLC908128805.
^Leonard J. V., Compagno; Dando, Marc; Fowler, Sarah L. (2005). Sharks of the world. Princeton: Princeton University Press. ISBN978-0691120720. OCLC57718990.
