The Bigfin catshark (Apristurus sp. B) is a species of shark belonging to the family Scyliorhinidae. It is a species recently discovered, without a unique species name or accepted description as of yet. It has been spotted in Australia. It has extremely large pectoral fins.
Family: Scyliorhinidae – Catsharks
Genus: Apristurus
Species: sp. B
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Common Name– Ground Sharks
Family– Scyliorhinidae
Common Name– Catsharks
Genus– Apristurus
Species– sp. B
Status: IUCN Red List NOT EVALUATED
Average Size and Length: Mature males have been measured between 53-57 cm/1.7-1.9 feet. The maximum is at least 67 cm/2.2 feet.
Teeth and Jaw: The labial furrows are long. The uppers reach the upper symphysis and the lowers are shorter.
Head: The snout is fairly elongated, broad and flattened. The nostrils are large. The mouth extends to the opposite front ends of the eyes. The eyes are small.
Tail: The tail fin is elongated.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Bigfin catshark can be found in Australia in warm, temperate and tropical east and west coasts. They can be found on the continental slopes from 2,395-3,281 feet.
Aesthetic Identification: The Bigfin catshark is uniformly greyish to dark brownish in color with black gill membranes and naked areas on the fins. The body is compressed. The gill openings are much smaller than the eye diameter. The first dorsal fin originates behind the pelvic fin origins and the second dorsal fin is larger than the first. The large pectoral fins almost extend to the pelvic fins. The anal fin is very long, angular and low. It is separated from the tail fin by a small notch.
Biology and Reproduction: Unknown.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Bigfin Catshark Future and Conservation: Not evaluated. Most of its range is unfished, however deepwater demersal trawling could expand I the future.
Bigfin Catshark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.