A new species,Caelorinchus trachycarus, is described from continental slope depths of 622–1350 m off New Zealand, southern Australia, and the Norfolk Ridge south of New Caledonia. The modified scales of head ridges is especially spiny, more so than in any other member of the genus. The blackish fins, dark overall coloration, prominent free neuromasts on the head, and the numerous parallel rows of spinules on body scales distinguish the new species from the closely similar and sympatricC. acanthiger. It differs fromC. parallelusandC. kermadecusby its naked nasal fossa, snout length, and scale spinulation, among other characters.