The Freckled Catshark Apristurus (Apristurus sp. A) is a shark belonging to the family Scyliorhinidae There are two sharks within this family Scyliorhinidae that have the name “Freckled Catshark”. The other is Scyliorhinus haeckelii, but it is a different species than the one described here, which actually doesn’t have a species name as of yet. This species can be found in the Pacific off of west and southeast Australia. It does appear to have specks on its body.
Family: Scyliorhinidae – Catsharks
Genus: Apristurus
Species: sp. A
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Common Name– Ground Sharks
Family– Scyliorhinidae
Common Name– Catsharks
Genus– Apristurus
Species– sp. A
Status: IUCN Red List NOT EVALUATED
Average Size and Length: Mature males have been measured between 51-64 cm/1.7-2.1 feet. The maximum is at least 74 cm/2.4 feet.
Teeth and Jaw: The labial furrows are long. The uppers reach the upper symphysis and the lowers are shorter. The teeth are small and greyish, sharp and to a point with 3 cusps.
Head: The head is broad and flattened with a fairly elongated and flattened snout. The mouth extends to the opposite of the front ends of the eyes. The eyes are small.
Tail: The tail fin is elongated.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: This Freckled catshark can be found in the Pacific off southeast and west Australia and possibly off of New Zealand. It was found in deep water between 3,084-4,232 feet.
Aesthetic Identification: The body of this Freckled catshark is brownish in adults often with scattered pale flecks. Juveniles are greyish in color. The fin margins are translucent or black. The gill openings are smaller than the eye diameter. The first dorsal fin is much smaller than the second dorsal fin. The pectoral and pelvic fins are widely separated from one another. The anal fin is long, low and triangular and it is separated from the tail fin by a small notch.
Biology and Reproduction: Unknown.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Freckled Catshark Apristurus Future and Conservation: Not evaluated and not described yet. However, it is known that deepwater demersal trawling is expanding within its range.
Freckled Catshark Apristurus Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.