Shortnose Demon Catshark

About the Shortnose Demon Catshark

The Shortnose Demon Catshark is a species of ground shark found in the East China Sea. Like all members of the catshark shark family, they’re bottom feeders, have elongated cat-like eyes, and two small dorsal fins set far back. They’re mostly nocturnal. They often sleep in groups during the day, and do their hunting at night.

They’re oviparous, meaning it lays eggs, but the average litter size is unknown. They grow to a maximum length of 49.1cm/1 ft 7.3 in.

It is possibly a bycatch of Japanese deep-water trawl fisheries in the East China Sea that operate to a depth of 800 m, however to date it is only known from two specimens caught by research surveys. This suggests that interactions with commercial fisheries are limited and the species also has refuge at depth. There is nothing to infer or suspect population reduction at this time and the Shortnose Demon Catshark is assessed as Least Concern. No information is available on use and trade; it is likely too small for human consumption but if retained may be used for fish meal.

No specific measures are in place. Research is required to better define the species’ distribution, habitat, and life history, and population size and trend, and catch rates should be monitored, particularly if fisheries expand to greater depths in the region.

Do you have images or videos of Shortnose Demon Catsharks?
Submit them to [email protected].