Springer’s Sawtail Catshark

About the Springer’s Sawtail Catshark

The Springer’s sawtail catshark is a species of ground shark found in the Western Atlantic from Cuba to the Antilles at depths of 450 to 700 m/1,476–2,297 ft. 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 and do their hunting at night. It’s easy to tell them apart by the dark stripes in front of their first dorsal fin, and the dark dorsal saddles behind it.

They’re oviparous. and grow to a maximum length of 48 cm/18.9 in, but little else is known about their biology.

They’re named after famous taxonomist Stewart Springer. Their tails have spiny dermal denticles, which give them a saw-like appearance, hence the word sawtail.

This species is common and occurs outside the depth range of current fishing activities and therefore is not suspected to be taken as bycatch anywhere in its range. Population trend is unknown, although it is suspected to be stable based on the low level of fishing effort within its range. Therefore, there is nothing to infer or suspect population reduction at this time and the species is assessed as Least Concern.

No species-specific measures in place. Further surveys are required to better define the species’ distribution, depth range, and biology. Careful monitoring should also be undertaken should fisheries expand to greater depths in the region.

 

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