The flaccid catshark (Apristurus exsanguis) is a catshark of the family Scyliorhinidae found only around New Zealand, aAlthough this species' collection records indicate it is widespread and probably continuously distributed over the mid- to lower slope around New Zealand. The biology of all Apristurus species within the New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone is very poorly known due to the uncertain taxonomy of the group. They appear to be most abundant below 1,000 m, and are the only sharks regularly taken in research trawls below 1,200 m on the Chatham Rise. As relatively little fishing occurs below 1,200 m, a large part of their population may be effectively beyond fishing depths.