Available throughout New Zealand waters, with the highest abundance found on the Chatham Rise and west coast of the South Island. Ghost sharks are slender with a long tail, have large wing-like pectoral fins and a large dorsal spike. They have a blunt nose with their mouth on the underside of their head.

They have firm white flesh, and can be baked, poached, fried, steamed, or used in casseroles, curries and soups.