Relatively slender body, with trunk tapering slightly toward the head. Moderately long and broad, bell-shaped snout (preoral snout about 8% of total body length). Short gill slits, much smaller than eye diameter. Broad nostrils (incurrent and excurrent apertures very large and oval). Base of first dorsal fin about 2/3 of second one. Origin of first dorsal fin opposite last fourth of pelvic fin bases. Insertion of second dorsal fin slightly in front of anal fin insertion. Pectoral fins rather small. Pelvic fins low. Fairly short anal fin, high and angular (about three times as long as high).
Coloration
Blackish, no conspicuous markings.
Distribution
Eastern North Atlantic: Madeira. Other areas questionable (Iceland, Bill Bailey, Lousy and Great Sole Banks).
Biology
Lives over the continental slope between 700 and 1500 m, close to or at the bottom.
Feeding
Unknown.
Size
Maximum size at least about 68 cm.
Reproduction
Egg laying (oviparous). Possibly a single egg per uterus.
Similar Species
Other species of the same genus (Apristurus) have a similar appearance but no other lives in the same area.
