Blotched Catshark

About the Blotched Catshark

The Blotched Catshark is known from only one specimen collected off Cape Leeuwin, Western Australia, in the eastern Indian Ocean. It is a small, brown catshark with large dark brown blotches and saddles. It has a short, slightly flattened, pointed-rounded head and a short, thick snout.

Very little is currently known about the Blotched Catshark.

Biology and Behaviour

The specimen was a female measuring 44 cm (17.3 in) in total length. It was collected from the outer continental shelf at a depth of 145 m (476 ft).

Reproduction and Lifespan

Little is known about blotched catsharks reproduction, but they are likely oviparous, meaning that they lay eggs to reproduce. Their litter size and lifespan are unknown.

Conservation and Tourism

Blotched Catsharks are unlikely to be caught in fisheries because of their small size. The IUCN lists the species as Data Deficient because of the limited information on its population and possible threats.

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Blotched Catshark Gallery