Flagtail Swellshark

About the Flagtail Swellshark

The flagtail swellshark is a species of deepwater catshark found off the coast of Queensland, Australia, at depths of 480 to 700 m. Like all catsharks, they’re bottom feeders, have elongated cat-like eyes, and two small dorsal fins set far back. They can also inflate their bodies with water to make themselves look bigger to predators.

They’re mostly nocturnal and often sleep in groups during the day. Their diet consists of bony fishes and bottom-dwelling crustacean and cephalopods.

Flagtail swellsharks are oviparous and can grow up to 74 cm, but nothing else is known about their biology.

Their name comes from their distinctive caudal fin markings.

There is not enough confirmation to assess their population health. Their conservation status is “Data Deficient.”

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