Habitat

Temperate seas. Australian elephantfish inhabit soft substrates down to 200m, possibly deeper.

Distribution

Southwest Pacific and Southern Oceans. Confined to southern Australia (from Esperance WA to Sydney NSW) and most of New Zealand (from the East Cape to Stewart Island).
Genetic analysis indicates that the populations in Australia and New Zealand are separate and may represent two closely related species.

Reproduction

Oviparous. Egg cases hatch after 6-8 months.
The Australian elephqantfishes egg case consists of a narrow central chamber tapering to a point at each end, surrounded by a wide feather-like fringe running along its entire length.

Diet

Consumes mostly benthic invertebrates and small benthic fishes which it separates from the substrate with its plow-like rostral lobe.

Behavior

Nocturnally active. The Australian ghostshark enters shallow bays at night to forage for food.

Reaction to divers

May bolt if startled, but generally swims slowly away.

Diving logistics

The Australian Elephantfish is fairly easy to locate on night dives in the Derwent Estuary south of Hobart, Tasmania. On the west side of the estuary, Blackman’s Bay is a spot where sightings are common. Most divers follow the reef slope, but it is better to swim directly out onto the sand where ghostsharks are more likely to be feeding.
Further north in the Derwent, Sandy is another spot where this species is occasionally encountered.

If you’re in New Zealand, Wellington Harbour is worth exploring for elephantfish. Although I did not see any animals there, I came across seven egg cases on a single dive, indicating that elephantfish are probably quite common.