DWARF CATSHARK SCYLIORHINUS
You might be lucky enough to see this catshark here if you are a deep-diving mermaid
The Dwarf catshark Scyliorhinus (Scyliorhinus torrei) is a catshark, belonging to the family Scyliorhinidae. It is not to be confused with Asymbolus parvus, also known as the Dwarf catshark Asymbolus. It is found off the coast of southern Florida, the Bahamas, and Cuba.
Family: Scyliorhinidae – Catsharks
Genus: Scyliorhinus
Species: torrei
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Common Name– Ground Sharks
Family– Scyliorhinidae
Common Name– Catsharks
Genus– Scyliorhinus
Species– torrei
Status: IUCN Red List LEAST CONCERN
Average Size and Length: Adult males measure between 24-26 cm/9.4-10.2 inches. Adult females at 26 cm/10.2 inches. The maximum recorded is 32 cm/1 foot.
Teeth and Jaw: The labial furrows are on the lower jaw only. The upper teeth are larger than the lower teeth. The teeth in the upper jaw and in the lower jaw have 3 cusps, with the central cusp the longest. The teeth are small and burr-like, with the teeth in the back of the jaw much smaller than the teeth in the front of the jaw.
Head: The small anterior nasal flaps do not reach the mouth. There are no nasoral grooves.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Dwarf catshark Scyliorhinus can be found in the northwest Atlantic in the Florida Straights in the Bahamas, northern Cuba and the Virgin Islands (30°N – 20°N). They can be found on the upper continental slope on or near the bottom between 751-1,804 feet, but mostly below 1,201 feet. It is considered subtropical bathydemersal.
Aesthetic Identification: The Dwarf catshark Scyliorhinus is small and slender, and light brown in color with seven or eight darker brown saddles (which are obscure in adults) and many large regularly scattered white spots on the back. There are no black spots. The second dorsal fin is much smaller than the first dorsal fin. The first dorsal fin is positioned above or slightly behind the pelvic fin insertion. The distance between the two dorsal fins is greater than the length of the base of the anal fin.
Biology and Reproduction: Poorly known, but more than likely oviparous, laying one egg per oviduct.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Mostly unknown.
Dwarf Catshark Scyliorhinus Future and Conservation: They are currently of least concern. This little-known catshark has a limited range and is occasionally caught by deep-water trawlers working near the seabed. It is an uncommon species, but as it is rarely caught, the population is stable.
Dwarf Catshark Scyliorhinus Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.