One-fin Catshark

About the One-fin Catshark

The Onefin Catshark is only known from one holotype and one specimen that was taken from the Mindanao Sea near the Philippines. There is very little known about this species.

Biology and Behaviour

Onefin catshark is a small, dark brown deep-sea bottom dwelling shark that live at depths between 673 to 1069 m. It is the only shark with five pairs of gill slits and one dorsal fin near its tail. Therefore, it doesn’t have a first dorsal fin like many other sharks. Its head is severely flattened, but elongated with a pointed snout and a wedge-shaped view. Its anal fin is long and larger than the pelvic and dorsal fin, the caudal fin is elongated and it has short tail. They can grow to at least 51 cm long.

Reproduction and Lifespan

The onefin cathshark may be oviparous, but there is very little known about the reproduction and lifespan.

Conservation and Tourism

The IUCN lists the onefin catshark as data deficient and there are currently no conservation methods in place for this species.

Do you have images or videos of One-fin Catsharks?
Submit them to info@sharkwater.com.