Pale Spotted Catshark

About the Pale Spotted Catshark

The Pale Spotted Catshark is a species of catshark member of the family  Scyliorhinidae, found only off Queensland.

This small, spotted shark has a very pale body covered with widely-spaced, sharply-defined dark brown spots. Males and females reach a maximum length of 43.9 cm and 46.7 cm, respectively, with males maturing at 32 cm TL and females at 35 cm TL. Reproduction is oviparous, with eggs being laid in pairs and embryos feeding solely on the yolk. Young hatch at about 19 cm TL. There is no more information regarding this species’ reproduction or biology available.

The Pale Spotted Catshark is a bathypelagic species found in tropical waters. It is endemic to areas on the continental shelf off the coast of northeastern Australia, occurring at depths of 225 – 402 m.

There are currently no conservation measures in place for this species. However, this one might fall into the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve. Listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN.

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Scientific Name Asymbolus pallidus
OrderGround Sharks - Carcharhiniformes
GenusAsymbolus
CitesNot Listed
IUCNLeast Concern
ReproductionOviparous
SizeSmall
Litter Size Unknown
Common Length 43.9 cm
Max LenghtNA
Depth Range 225 - 402 m
DistributionSouthwest Pacific
EnvironmentBathypelagic