Fisheries Infosite

Pale Ghost Shark (GSP5)
Scientific name
Hydrolagus bemisi

Physical characteristics

Pale Ghost Shark have a golden brown top with a white underside.

Life cycle

There is no age data available for the Pale Ghost Shark. Maturity is estimated to be reached at 59-60 cm length for males and 69-70 cm length for females.

Habitat

Pale Ghost Shark has be found throughout New Zealand waters ranging in depths from 270-1200 m, but is most common in depths of 400-1000 m on the Chatham Rise. They are benthic feeders.

 
Key statistics
Reported commercial catch1 (tonnes)
Quota value estimate2 (NZ$m)
Exports estimate2 (NZ$m)
1 Reported commercial catch is calculated for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025
2 Quota value and exports are calculated pro-rata to reported commercial catch for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025