The Mediterranean subpopulation of this medium-sized bentho-pelagic shark occurs deeper than subpopulations in the Atlantic and Pacific (Clò et al. 2002). Bottom trawl surveys indicate a Mediterranean depth range of 1,301–3,850 m (Grey 1956, Priede and Bagley 2000, Clò et al. 2002, Massutí and Moranta 2003, Sion et al. 2004). In trawl surveys in the western Mediterranean Sea (Balearic Islands), Massutí and Moranta (2003) recorded this species from 1,301–1,700 m and Sion et al. (2004) from 1,500–2,500 m. Both studies reported the species as more abundant with greater depths surveyed. The Portuguese Dogfish was also recorded in the eastern basin at 1,500–2,500 m in the Cretan Sea and 2,300–3,850 m in the Rhodos Basin (Priede and Bagley 2000). There is evidence of size segregation by depth, with smaller individuals at greater depths and pregnant females at shallower depths.

This live bearing with yolk sac species produces eight to 21 pups, but the gestation period is currently unknown. Size at birth is ~23−30 cm total length (TL; Girard and DuBuit 1999, Clarke et al. 2001). Size at maturity occurs at 86 and 102 cm for males and females, respectively. Maximum size in European waters is 109 cm TL for males and 121 cm TL for females (Girard and DuBuit 1999, Clarke et al. 2005). Age at maturity is inferred from the morphologically similar Longnose Velvet Dogfish (Centroselachus crepidater) to be ~15 years, longevity ~60 years, and generation length ~37.5 years.