African Ribbontail Catshark

About the African Ribbontail Catshark

The African ribbontail catshark is a rare species of finback catshark found in Eastern Africa from South Africa to Tanzania. They’re small, growing up to only about 37 cm (14.6 in), and live at depths between 180 and 480 m (590–1,575 ft). They’re usually brownish grey. They feed on fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans.  

Very little is known about their biology, but they’re known to be ovoviviparous, meaning the eggs hatch inside the mother before being released. Females give birth to two pups per litter, each measuring between 15 and 17 cm (5.9–6.7 in) at birth. They seem to be segregated by sex. Most specimens caught are males, which suggests females live at different depths.

They’re currently considered a species of least concern because there’s relatively low fishing pressure in their range. But if it were to increase they could become threatened.

Do you have images or videos of African Ribbontail Catsharks?
Submit them to [email protected].