Probably demersal on outer continental shelves and upper slopes at depths of 120–210 m (Compagno et al. 2005). Also reported at depths of 561–564 m off Vanuatu 300–793 m off New Caledonia. Biology is unknown, but reproduction is presumably ovoviviparous (Compagno et al. 2005). Attains a maximum size of approximately 30 cm total length (Compagno and Niem 1998). Feeds on squids (Compagno and Niem 1998).

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Population size is unknown.

Unknown

The depth distribution of the species may lie within the range of fisheries in Japan, Taiwan and possibly Indonesia. It is a rare and inedible species in Japan (H. Ishihara pers. comm. 2006) and is therefore not targeted, but may potentially be taken as bycatch and possibly utilized for liver oil. In eastern Indonesia, deepsea longline fisheries operate from 150–600 m with the majority of fishing occurring in depths of less than 300 m (White et al. 2006). Commercial prawn trawlers are known to land substantial catches of elasmobranchs as bycatch. So far trawling is restricted to shallower water, however according to White et al. (2006), in the future, trawl methods may be adopted in deeper water, especially if foreign fishing vessels are allowed access to Indonesian waters. Future expansion of the deepsea fishery in Indonesia is highly likely, with the potential to rapidly deplete the vulnerable deepwater chondrichthyan fauna (White et al. 2006). The species has been found at greater depths off New Caladonia and Vanuatu. Deepwater fisheries are very uncommon in this region. Like other Etmopterus species, this species is not targeted, most likely discarded if caught, and unlikely to be caught frequently on large commercial fishing hooks.

There are currently no conservation measures in place for this species. Like many deeper water species more information on biology, ecology and importance in fisheries are required to further assess status and any future conservation needs.

The development and implementation of management plans (national and/or regional e.g., under the FAO International Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks: IPOA-Sharks) are required to facilitate the conservation and management of all chondrichthyan species in the region.