Starry Catshark

About the Starry Catshark

The Starry Catshark is a recently described shark that is only known by 19 specimens. They can be found off the coast of New Caledonia in the Western Pacific Ocean at depths between 235 to 550 m/771 to 1,804.5 ft.   

Biology and Behaviour

Starry catsharks are small and slender reaching a maximum length of 47.7 cm/1 ft 6.8 in. They have a variety of colour patterns with numerous milky white blotches surrounded by rusty brown spots and blotches. Their dorsal saddles are faint and dusky while their dorsal ground is light brown and paler on their sides.

They inhabit tropical waters living on or close to the sea floor on the slopes of seamounts.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Starry catsharks are oviparous., meaning egg laying. 

There is very little known about the biology of starry catsharks.

Conservation and Tourism

There are no conservation measures in place for this species, however, commercial fishing is not permitted on the seamounts of New Caledonia where they occur. Starry catsharks have only been caught by research vessels.

Catsharks are usually taken as bycatch in benthic trawl fisheries but there are no such fisheries in the area where this species occurs. Furthermore, fishing is prohibited on the seamounts of southern New Caledonia (Monts sous-marins du Grand Sud). This catshark is also too small to be marketed. More research is needed on its biology and population size, both of which are unknown. Despite the limited information available on the species, it is assessed as Least Concern given the absence of any threats within its range.

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