The banded houndshark is a small shark species that typically measures between 3.3 and 4.9 feet in length. It has a slender, elongated body with a brownish to grayish dorsal side marked by broad dark bands across its back, a lighter ventral side, and flanks speckled with black spots.

The banded houndshark has barbels on its snout.

The banded houndshark inhabits the northwestern Pacific ocean and is mainly found in the East Asian region. It is present along the coasts of Japan, South Korea, China and Taiwan.

The banded houndshark is a benthic shark species that lives near the seafloor in shallow coastal waters and rocky reef areas.

The banded houndshark primarily feeds on fish, crustaceans and mollusks.