BLACKSPOTTED CATSHARK
A common catshark in its range
The Blackspotted catshark or Australian Blackspotted catshark (Aulohalaelurus labiosus) is a shark belonging to the family Scyliorhinidae in the order Carcharhiniformes. It is endemic to southwestern Australia in the eastern Indian Ocean between latitudes 28° S and 36° S. It is common among its range.
Family: Scyliorhinidae – Catsharks
Genus: Aulohalaelurus
Species: labiosus
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Order– Carcharhiniformes
Common Name– Ground Sharks
Family– Scyliorhinidae
Common Name– Catsharks
Genus– Aulohalaelurus
Species– labiosus
Status: IUCN Red List LEAST CONCERN
Average Size and Length: Mature males have measured between 54-62 cm/1.8-2 feet. The maximum recorded length is 67 cm/2.2 feet.
Teeth and Jaw: The teeth are 3-5 cusped, with a very long, pointed central cusp.
Head: The head is narrow with a slightly flattened, short and narrowly rounded snout.
Denticles: The skin is extremely thick.
Tail: The caudal fin is moderately short and broad.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Blackspotted catshark can be found in southwestern Australia in shallow coastal waters and offshore reefs to at least 13 feet. They are considered demersal.
Aesthetic Identification: The Blackspotted catshark is a slender shark with a cylindrical, elongated body. It is light greyish to yellowish-brown with a variegated pattern of small to large black spots or blotches and dark saddles on the sides, back and fins. There are very few white spots. There are white fin tips highlighted by dark blotches on the dorsal, caudal and anal fins. The dorsal fins are of equal size. The origin of the first dorsal fin is over or slightly in front of the pectoral fin insertions.
Biology and Reproduction: Unknown, but possibly oviparous.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Blackspotted Catshark Future and Conservation: They are currently of least concern. They are common among their range, and their range is unfished.
Blackspotted Catshark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.