Inhabits continental slopes, seamounts and submarine rises with collection depths recorded between about 140 and 760 m, but most often 250-400 m .
Dorsal spines (total): 6 - 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 13; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 3 - 10. This species is distinguished by the following characters: 15 pectoral-fin rays, rarely 13, 14 or 16; 18-21 total gill rakers on outer side of first arch; 9-12 abdominal scutes, some scutes in large individuals with multiple apical points; 16-22 predorsal scales; isthmus lacking scales; body scales adherent; lateral–line scales with strong medial ridge, but no spine in small and medium sized adults, with strong spine centrally on posterior margin in large adults; scales on predorsal midline forming low raised ridge; body ovoid and deep, depth 1.9-2.1 in SL; nape gently curved, forehead almost straight to above upper lip; dorsal- and anal-fin spines of moderate thickness; body of adults grey, superimposed with deep red in life, outer margin of all fins with narrow black edge in adults; buccal cavity and opercular recess black, vomer, margins of mouth roof lateral to palatines, underside of tongue and upper surface of lower jaw stark white .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
Behavioural data for New Zealand giant sawbelly is currently being reviewed.
Diet information for New Zealand giant sawbelly is currently being compiled.
Reproduction data for New Zealand giant sawbelly is currently being compiled.
Marine; pelagic-oceanic; depth range 250 - 400 m . Subtropical; 33°S - 37°S South Pacific: sub-tropical and temperate latitudes of the Tasman and South Fiji Basins; SE Australian slopes on the west to the outer Bay of Plenty and southern Kermadec Ridge at the north end of the North Island in New Zealand in the east.
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