Black-tip sawtail catshark

Shark Database | Ground Sharks - Carcharhiniformes | Black-tip sawtail catshark

About the Black-tip sawtail catshark

The black-tip sawtail catshark is a small species of ground shark found in and around Japan, Philippines and Taiwan. Adults reach a maximum length of 45 cm. It lives near the bottom, around muddy sediments, at depths of 60 to 200 m. Because of this it’s commonly caught as by-catch by shrimp bottom trawlers.

Members of this species are usually brown and with black tips on the dorsal and caudal fins. Very little is known about their biology, but they’re known to be oviparous. Females lay one egg at time and they can lay eggs throughout the year. The frequency of their reproduction is currently unknown. The eggs are purse-shaped, translucent golden-brown capsules.

Further studies are required to determine their population health. Demersal fisheries certainly affect their numbers, but because of the lack of available information this is species is considered by the IUCN as data deficient.

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Black-tip sawtail catshark Gallery


Scientific Name Galeus sauteri
OrderGround Sharks - Carcharhiniformes
GenusGaleus
CitesNot Listed
IUCNData Deficient
ReproductionOviparous
SizeSmall
Litter Size Unknown
Common Length 38.0 cm
Max LenghtNA
Depth Range 60-90 m
DistributionWestern Central Pacific, Northwest Pacific
EnvironmentDemersal