Saldanha Catshark

About the Saldanha Catshark

The Saldanha Catshark is a species of catshark member of the family Scyliorhinidae, found from Cape Columbine to south of False Bay, South Africa.

This species is a stout, plain catshark with large eyes, thick and broad snout, and long labial furrows. Reaches a maximum length of 88.5 cm (34.8 in) TL. Males mature at 74 cm (29 in) TL and females mature at 70 cm (27.6 in) TL. This species is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs, but no more information regarding reproduction is available.

The Saldanha Catshark is a poorly known species endemic to South Africa. A bathydemersal species found on the continental slope at depths of 453-717 m (1,486–2,352 ft). Feeds on small bony fish and cephalopods.

There are currently no conservation measures in place for this species. Listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN Red List. This species is caught in demersal trawl fisheries targeting hake, however, at present much of its range is below the depth of current fishing activities. The population trend is therefore suspected to be stable. Further research is needed on life history and population size and trends. Any future expansion of deepwater fisheries could pose a threat to this species and fisheries that expand to deeper waters should monitor bycatch at the species level. This species is not known to be utilized or traded.

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