BLOTCHED CATSHARK ASYMBOLUS
Beautifully marked catshark
The Blotched Catshark Asymbolus (Asymbolus funebris) is a catshark belonging to the family Scyliorhinidae, the holotype, was found off West Australia at 472 feet. The female holotype was measured at 44 cm. They may possibly be oviparous but this isn’t confirmed. *Not to be confused with Blotched catshark Scyliorhinus meadi.
Family: Scyliorhinidae – Catsharks
Genus: Asymbolus
Species: funebris
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Common Name– Ground Sharks
Family– Scyliorhinidae
Common Name– Catsharks
Genus– Asymbolus
Species– funebris
Status: IUCN Red List DATA DEFICIENT
Average Size and Length: Known from one female specimen 1.4 feet.
Teeth and Jaw: The labial furrows are short and along the jaws. The upper teeth are exposed.
Head: The head is short, slightly flattened, rounded and pointed. The snout is short and thick. There are narrow ridges below the eyes.
Tail: The caudal fin is short and broad.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Blotched catshark can be found off western Australia off of the Recherche Archipelago on the outer continental shelf at a depth of 640 feet. They are pelagic demersal and stay well within the sunlit zone.
Aesthetic Identification: The Blotched catshark is small and brown with large dark brown blotches and saddles. There are no small spots. There are 3 pre-dorsal saddles, bars beneath each dorsal fin and one between the fins. The ventral side is slightly paler than the dorsal side. The dorsal fins are set back behind the pelvic fins. The inner margins of the pelvic fins are presumably fused into an apron over the claspers in male adults. The anal fin is short and angular.
Biology and Reproduction: Unknown. Could possibly be oviparous.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Blotched Catshark Future and Conservation: There is not enough data to evaluate. Only known from one specimen.
Blotched Catshark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.