Redspotted Catshark

About the Redspotted Catshark

Redspotted Catsharks, also known as Chilean Catshark, can be found in the Southeast Pacific Ocean near Chile and Peru down to 100m deep.

Biology and Behaviour

Redspotted catsharks can grow up to 60 cm long. In the spring and summer, they swim inshore at depths of 8 to 15 m deep close to rocky areas. During the winter, they migrate towards the bottom and can be found between 15 to 100 m deep offshore.

Redspotted catsharks are nocturnal and solitary sharks. They stay in caves and crevices during the day and come out at night to hunt for food. They feed on small crustaceans and invertebrates that live near rocky bottoms as well. 

Their bodies are elongated and sleek. Their dorsal side is a dark red-brown with dark saddle patterns on their side. Their ventral sides are an off-white with reddish spots.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Redspotted catsharks are oviparous. The size of birth of pups is 14 cm long. Females mature between 52 to 54 cm while males mature between 42 to 46 cm long. Males have longer teeth which is believed to help them when mating. 

Conservation and Tourism

The IUCN lists redspotted catsharks as data deficient because there is insufficient information available. There are no conservation measures currently in place.

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