Bighead Catshark

About the Bighead Catshark

The Bighead Catshark is a species of ground shark found only in Western Australia, in the eastern Indian Ocean. It is currently known from only two female specimens collected on the mid-continental slope at depths between 920 and 1,140 m (3,018–3,740 ft).

Like other catsharks, Bighead catsharks are bottom feeders with elongated, cat-like eyes and two small dorsal fins positioned far back on the body. They may also be nocturnal, hunting at night and sleeping in groups during the day. The two recorded specimens measured 67.5 cm (26.6 in) and 32.1 cm (12.6 in) in total length. Their method of reproduction and litter size are currently unknown, but they are likely to be oviparous, meaning they lay eggs to reproduce.

The species’ population size and trends have not been assessed because it is known from only two specimens. Nevertheless, the IUCN assessed the Bighead Catshark as Least Concern because there is currently no evidence of population decline, and its known depth range is generally below the depths reached by the fisheries in the region. However, further research is needed to better understand its population size, population trends and potential threats.

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