Arabian Carpetshark

About the Arabian Carpetshark

Arabian carpetsharks can be found in the western Indian Ocean at depths between 2 to 100 m. They inhabit coastal waters with coral reefs, lagoons, rocky shores, muddy bottom and mangrove estuaries.   

Biology and Behaviour

Arabian carpetsharks have their mouth well in front of their eyes with big spiracles below, and they have a long, rounded snout. Their spineless dorsal fins are equal-sized, and they have a long precaudal tail, and their anal fin is long placed low. They have five pairs of gill slits and the fourth and fifth are close together.

They feed on squid, molluscs, crustaceans and snake eels.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Arabian carpetsharks are oviparous, and lay up to four eggs on coral reefs. Young Arabian carpetsharks hatch after 70 to 80 days. At birth, Arabian carpetsharks are less than 10 cm long. Females mature at 52 cm while males mature at 55 cm long. They grow to a maximum length of 80 cm.

Conservation and Tourism

The IUCN lists Arabian carpetsharks as near threatened, but there are no species-specific conservation measures currently in place. They may be taken in for the aquarium trade.

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Arabian Carpetshark Gallery