Australian Marbled Catshark

About the Australian Marbled Catshark

The Australian Marbled Catshark is a species of catshark of the family  Scyliorhinidae, found in the eastern Indian Ocean, endemic to Western Australia.

Biology and Description:

There is very little information regarding this species’ biology. It is reported to attain a maximum size of 60 cm TL, with males reaching maturity at 48 cm TL and females at 51 cm TL. Size at birth is approximately 10 cm TL. This species is oviparous, paired eggs are laid and embryos feed solely on the yolk. Colour pattern of grey saddles separately by light areas and outlined by numerous small black spots.

Habitat:

The Australian Marbled Catshark is confined o tropical Australia between Port Hedland in Western Australia to Melville Islands in the Northern Territory. This species is reported from shallow, inshore regions on both sandy and rocky benthic habitats to at least 60 m depth.

Conservation:

Although there is very little information about this species, it is not of commercial value and it is unlikely that the population is under any major threat. There are no species-specific conservation measures in place. Further investigation into the population structure and biology is required.   

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