Reticulated Swellshark

About the Reticulated Swellshark

The reticulated swellshark is a species of deepwater swellshark found in China, Vietnam, and possibly Philippines. They  are found at depths of up to 450 m (1,476 ft).. Like all catsharks, they’re bottom feeders, have elongated cat-like eyes, and two small dorsal fins set far back. They’re mostly nocturnal and often sleep in groups during the day. Their diet consists of bony fishes and bottom-dwelling crustacean and cephalopods.

They’re oviparous, meaning it lays eggs, and hatchlings are about 12 cm (4.7 in) long but little else is known about their reproduction strategy. They grow to a maximum length of 42 cm (16.5 in).

Landings data of all sharks combined from the Taiwan Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the Philippines and reconstructed catches of all sharks, skates and rays from the China and Viet Nam EEZs indicate declines of 54–99% over the past three generation lengths (45 years). These levels of declines are not species-specific but are informative for understanding the broader levels of decline in sharks in the region. The species has a fairly restricted distribution and no refuge from fishing pressure. Swellsharks are very sensitive to fishing pressure; even when fisheries management is implemented, intensive fishing can lead to significant declines. It is suspected that the Reticulated Swellshark has undergone a population reduction of >80% over the last three generation lengths (45 years) due to levels of exploitation, and it is assessed as Critically Endangered A2d. No information is available on use and trade; it is likely to be utilised for human consumption and fish meal.There are no species-specific measures in place for the Reticulated Swellshark. Further information is required on its distribution, ecology and life history, and interactions with fisheries.

Do you have images or videos of Reticulated Swellsharks?
Submit them to [email protected].