The Cuban Ribbontail catshark (Eridacnis barbouri), is a species of Finback catshark belonging to the family Proscylliidae, found off western central Atlantic Ocean at depths of between 1,411-2,011 feet. It can grow up to a length of 1.1 feet.
Family: Proscylliidae – Finback Catsharks
Genus: Eridacnis
Species: barbouri
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Common Name– Ground Sharks
Family– Proscylliidae
Common Name– Finback Catsharks
Genus– Eridacnis
Species– barbouri
Status: IUCN Red List DATA DEFICIENT
Average Size and Length: The Cuban Ribbontail catshark is born greater than 10 cm/3.9 inches. Mature males have measured at 27 cm/10.6 inches, and mature females at 28 cm/11 inches. The longest recorded is 34 cm/1.1 feet.
Teeth and Jaw: The mouth is triangular with short, but well-developed labial furrows.
Head: There are nictitating membranes for eyelids over cat-like eyes. The short anterior nasal flaps do not reach the mouth. There are no nasoral grooves or barbels.
Tail: The caudal fin is ribbon like in appearance. It is long and narrow.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Cuban Ribbontail catshark can be found in the northwest Atlantic in the Florida Straights and off the northern coast of Cuba. They are found on the upper continental and insular slopes on the bottom between 1,411- 2,011 feet. They are a deep-water, bathydemersal shark.
Diet: They more than likely feed on small fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods.
Aesthetic Identification: The Cuban Ribbontail catshark is small and slender. It is light greyish brown with light edges on two dorsal fins and faint dark bandings on long, narrow caudal fin. The anal fin is two-thirds of the dorsal fin heights.
Biology and Reproduction: They are ovoviviparous, having two pups per litter.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Speed: More than likely a slow-moving shark.
Cuban Ribbontail Catshark Future and Conservation: There is currently not enough data to evaluate. For the most part, they are common among their limited range.
Cuban Ribbontail Catshark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.