Blackspotted Catshark

About the Blackspotted Catshark

The Blackspotted Catshark is a species of ground shark found on the continental shelf in the Northwest and Western Central Pacific, at depths ranging from 27 to 100 m (88–328 ft). Its known range extends from Japan and China to North and South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines and Sarawak, Borneo.

Biology and Description

Like other catsharks, they are bottom feeders, have elongated cat-like eyes, and two small dorsal fins set far back on their body. They are mostly nocturnal. They often sleep in groups during the day, and do their hunting at night. They are beige or grey and have distinctive black spots along their body.

Reproduction

They are oviparous, meaning that females lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young. The litter size is currently unknown. The species can grow to approximately 49.2 cm (19.4 in) in total length. Males reach maturity at about 36 cm (14.2 in), while females reach maturity at about 45 cm (17.7 in).

Conservation

The blackspotted catshark is classified as Endangered by the IUCN because the population trend is considered decreasing.The main threat is fishing pressure throughout its range. It may be caught as bycatch in trawls, seine nets, gillnets and torchlight nets. In some areas, individuals are retained for low-value meat, fish paste or fish meal.

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