The Peppered Catshark is a species of catshark member of the family Scyliorhinidae, found in the northern Gulf of California
Biology and Description:
This species has a slender and firm body, with a slightly flattened head and a rather long, pointed snout. The anterior rims of the nostrils are expanded into triangular flaps of skin. The horizontally oval eyes are equipped with nictitating membranes. The dorsal fins are similar in size and shape, both having blunt apexes. The pectoral fins are large and broad, with rounded corners. The pelvic and anal fin are both small and low, with angular corners. The caudal peduncle is compressed from side to side and leads to low caudal fin, which has a small lower love and a ventral notch near the tip of the upper lobe. The dermal denticles are small and overlapping. The body and tail are duskily covered with black dots. The maximum known length attained by this species is 37 cm TL, with females reaching maturity at 18 cm TL. Males size at maturity is unknown. Reproduction is oviparous, with newly mature females carrying 2 – 3 eggs and older females may carry 10 or more. Young sharks hatch at 7 -8 cm TL.
Habitat:
The Peppered Catshark is a bathydemersal, deepwater shark found at depths of 275 – 1326 m. This species is limited to the Gulf of California, with the southern boundary defined by the city of Guaymas in Sonora, and Isla Salsipuedes in Baja California.
Conservation:
There are currently no conservation measures in place for this species. Listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN.
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