The Blackspotted catshark Halaelurus or sometimes called the Darkspot catshark (Halaelurus buergeri) is a catshark belonging to the family Scyliorhinidae. It is found in the waters off the coasts of Japan, North and South Korea, China, and the Philippines between latitudes 39° N and 20° N, at the depths of between 262-328 feet.
Family: Scyliorhinidae – Catsharks
Genus: Halaelurus
Species: buergeri
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Common Name– Ground Sharks
Family– Scyliorhinidae
Common Name– Catsharks
Genus– Halaelurus
Species– buergeri
Status: IUCN Red List DATA DEFICIENT
Average Size and Length: Mature males have been measured at 36 cm/1.1 feet. Mature females have been measured around 40 cm/1.3 feet. The longest recorded is 49 cm/1.6 feet.
Head: The head is rounded and has a slight indentation, with a short snout. The snout is pointed but not upturned. The eyes are raised above the head. The gill sits are raised, and on the upper surface of the head above the mouth.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Blackspotted catshark or Darkspot catshark can be found in the northwest Pacific in Japan, North and South Korea, the Philippines and China. They are found on the continental shelf between 262-328 feet. They are considered demersal.
Aesthetic Identification: The Blackspotted Catshark or Darkspot Catshark has a variegated pattern with dusky bands outlined by large black spots on a light background. It is slender and cylindrical in shape. There are two dorsal fins of equal size, and a smaller anal fin.
Biology and Reproduction: They are oviparous. Several egg cases are retained in the oviduct and not laid until the embryos are advanced and close to hatching. Females possibly deposit between 6-12 egg cases.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Blackspotted Catshark or Darkspot Catshark Future and Conservation: There is not enough data to evaluate. They are common offshore and not typically fished.
Blackspotted Catshark or Darkspot Catshark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.