Australian Marbled Catshark

About the Australian Marbled Catshark

The Australian Marbled Catshark is a small species of catshark belonging to the family Scyliorhinidae It is endemic to tropical northern Australia and occurs from Port Hedland in Western Australia to Melville Island in the Northern Territory.

Biology and Description

There is very little information available about this species’ biology. The species has a colour pattern consisting of grey saddle-like markings separated by light areas and outlined by small black spots. It is reported to reach a maximum length of 60 cm (23.6 in). Males reach maturity at about 48 cm (18.9 in), while females mature at approximately 51 cm (20.1 in).

The Australian Marbled Catshark is a benthic species that remains close to the seafloor. It lives on both sandy and rocky substrates and occurs to depths of at least 60 m (197 ft).

Reproduction

This species is oviparous, meaning eggs are laid and embryos feed solely on the yolk before hatching. Size at birth is approximately 10 cm (3.94 in).

Conservation

Although little is known about this species, it has no significant commercial value and is not considered to be under any major threat. However, it may occasionally be caught as bycatch in prawn and fish trawl fisheries. There are currently no species-specific conservation measures in place. Further research is needed to have more information on the Australian Marbled Catshark’s population structure and biology.

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