Gulf CatShark

Threat Level: low

GULF CATSHARK

Scientific name........Asymbolus Vincenti

Family name.........Scyliorhinidae

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Gulf catshark has a short, slightly flattened head with a short thick snout. They have short lavial furrows along the jaws, upper teeth exposed. Narrow ridges below eyes. Two small dorsal fins behind pelvic fins, inner pelvic fin margins fused into apron over adult male claspers. Anal fin short and angular. Short broad caudal fin. The Gulf catshark is similar to a number of different species in this genus that live in Australian seas. These sharks are known to have very flabby bodies. There are more kinds of catsharks than any other group of sharks, yet most of them are unfamiliar.

SIZE

The maximum size of these sharks are 24.6 inches.

TEETH

The posterior teeth on dental bands are comblike.

COLOR

The Gulf catshark is easily distinguished by its color pattern, a mottled grayish-brown or chocolate, seven or eight dark saddles, many small faint white spots. Pale unspotted underneath.

FEEDING HABITS

Not much known on its diet, but probably feeds on crustaceans.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

They are nocturnal and usually occur singly.

HABITAT

Gulf catsharks are found in Southern Australia most common in Great Australian Bight. Often occur in seagrass beds.

LIFE SPAN

Unknown.

REPRODUCTION

These sharks are oviparous and lays pairs of eggcases with long filaments. Pups have two rows of large dermal denticles to help them out of their egg cases.

SHARK ATTACKS

Unknown

POPULATION

Abundant.