Fisheries Infosite

Ghost Shark Auckland(East) (GSH1)
Scientific name
Hydrolagus novaezealandiae

Physical characteristics

Dark Ghost Shark have a dark grey/brown top with silver-white spots and horizontal lines. The underside is pale silver-grey. They can grow to a maximum length of 80 cm.

Life cycle

There is no age data available for the Dark Ghost Shark. Maturity is estimated to be reached at 52-53 cm length for males and 62-63 cm length for females.

Habitat

Dark Ghost Shark is found throughout New Zealand waters, ranging in depths from 100-700 m depending on the area. 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