COLLARED CARPETSHARK
The Collared carpetshark (Parascyllium collare) is a poorly understood species of Carpet shark belonging to the family Parascylliidae endemic to the waters of eastern Australia between latitudes 26°S and 38°S. It is common within its range, not targeted by fisheries and has a high survival rate. Like the other members of its family, it has a slender, elongated body. It is beautifully colored with a strong collar around the gills, and dark spots all over its body.
Family: Parascylliidae – Collared Carpetsharks
Genus: Parascyllium
Species: collare
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Common Name– Carpet Sharks
Family– Parascylliidae
Common Name– Collared Carpetsharks
Genus– Parascyllium
Species– collare
Status: IUCN Red List LEAST CONCERN
Average Size and Length: Their length at birth is unknown. Mature males have measured between 80-85 cm/ 2.6-2.8 feet. Mature females between 85-87 cm/ 2.8-2.9 feet.
Current Rare Mythical Sightings: Described by Ramsay and Ogilby in 1888. Holotype: Australian Museum, Sydney. Type Locality: Off Port Jackson, New South Wales, Australia.
Teeth and Jaw: The lower teeth are cusped, long and to a point, great for gripping and tearing through prey.
Head: The mouth is in front of the eyes, and the eyes have small spiracles. There are nasal barbels and nasoral and circumnarial grooves.
Tail: The caudal fin is with its upper lobe not elevated above the body axis, with a strong terminal lobe and subterminal notch. There is no ventral lobe.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Collared carpetshark can be found in east Australia; it is endemic there (26°S and 38°S, 149°E – 154°E: Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales). They can be found in rocky reefs and hard-bottomed trawl grounds over the continental shelf between 66-525 feet. They prefer temperate waters.
Aesthetic Identification: The Collared carpetshark is light yellowish to a reddish-brown. There is a dark, un-spotted, sharp-edged collar just over the gills. There are 5 dusky saddles on the back. The dorsal fins are equal in size. The origin of the first dorsal fin is behind the pelvic fin bases. The origin of the anal fin is well in front of the origin of the second dorsal fin. There are large, dark spots all over the body, the tail and the fins, except for the pectoral fins. There are less than 6 spots on the sides of the tail between the dorsal fins. There are no more than two or three irregular rows of spots on sides. The body is slender and elongated.
Biology and Reproduction: The biology and reproduction are not well-known or understood. They are oviparous and lay large, flattened, elongated egg cases.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Their behavior is unknown.
Collared Carpetshark Future and Conservation: They are of least concern. They are discarded as trawler bycatch and are not of interest to commercial fisheries. They have sometimes been caught with line gear. They have high survival rates.
Collared Carpetshark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.