Small-belly Catshark

About the Small-belly Catshark

The Small-belly Catshark is a species of catshark member of the family Scyliorhinidae, found in the Western Indian Ocean.

Information regarding this species’ biology and ecology is poorly known. Its maximum size recorded was of 34 cm/1 ft 1.4 in TL but this specimen was immature when caught. This species is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs, information regarding liter size and the gestation period is unknown.

The Small-belly Catshark is a bathydemersal species found on continental slopes at depths of 1,289 – 1,840 m/4,229.0 to 6,036.7 ft. This species is endemic to the Arabian Sea.

There are currently no conservation measures in place for this species. More research on biology, ecology and conservation is required.

Conservation

There are no known threats. The species is known to occur only in very deep water and there is no deep-sea fishing occurring in the region. No utilization or commercial trade of this species is currently known to exist.

A 2025 SIOFA ecosystem assessment includes A. indicus among deep-sea shark taxa considered “high risk” and/or “of concern” under its shark conservation measures. This is a more recent indication that deep-sea fisheries management is paying attention to the species, even though its global IUCN category remains LC.

There is also a 2026 IUCN Shark Specialist Group assessment program underway that includes Apristurus indicus among species with current Red List categories being considered in the broader assessment process.

Do you have images or videos of Small-belly Catsharks?
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