BULLDOG CATSHARK
Stout catshark with a dorsal side lighter than the ventral side
The Bulldog catshark (Apristurus sp. E) is a species of shark belonging to the family Scyliorhinidae. It is a little-known shark still without a species name. It can be found in deep water in southeastern Australia.
Family: Scyliorhinidae – Catsharks
Genus: Apristurus
Species: sp. E
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Common Name– Ground Sharks
Family– Scyliorhinidae
Common Name– Catsharks
Genus– Apristurus
Species– sp. E
Status: IUCN Red List NOT EVALUATED
Average Size and Length: Males mature at 50 cm/1.6 feet. The maximum is at least 63 cm/2.1 feet.
Teeth and Jaw: The mouth is large. The labial furrows are long. The uppers reach the upper symphysis and the lowers are about the same length.
Head: The head is stocky and flattened. The snout is short and broad. The mouth extends well in front of the eyes. The eyes are small and the nostrils are small.
Tail: The tail fin is elongated.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Bulldog catshark can be found in southeastern Australia. It can be found over the continental slope between 3,346-4,921 feet.
Aesthetic Identification: The Bulldog catshark is stout. It is brownish in color. The upper surface is slightly lighter than the underside. There may be indistinct speckles. The head may have indistinct pale blotches. The gill slits are fairly large. The second dorsal fin is slightly larger than the first. The pectoral and pelvic fins are broad and well-separated. The anal fin is short and very deep. It is separated from the tail fin by a small notch.
Biology and Reproduction: Unknown.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Bulldog Catshark Future and Conservation: Not evaluated. Their range does include expanding deep-water fisheries.
Bulldog Catshark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.