Western Spotted Catshark

About the Western Spotted Catshark

The Western Spotted Catshark is a species of catsharks member of the family Scyliorhinidae, found only around Southwestern Australia.

This species is a medium-size pale shark, yellow and green colour with 8 to 9 pale brownish saddles on the upper surface and sides, cover with sharply defined, black spots. Males and females reach a maximum size of 60.1 cm TL and 53.0 cm TL, respectively, with males maturing at 58 cm TL. The biology of this species is almost entirely unknown. Reproduction is oviparous, with eggs being laid in pairs and embryos feeding solely on the yolk. No more information regarding this species’ reproduction is available.

The Western Spotted Catshark is a pelagic-oceanic species found on the outer continental shelf at depths of 98 – 400 m. This shark is distributed off the Southwestern coast of Australia from Fowlers Bay to Perth.

Currently, there are no conservation measures in place for this species. It potentially occurs in the South-west Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network. Listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN.

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