The Ginger carpetshark (Parascyllium sparsimaculatum) is a species of Collared carpetshark belonging to the family Parascylliidae. Three specimens have been found in western Australia in deep water. This shark, like its name has a ginger color, and has striking saddles.
Family: Parascylliidae – Collared Carpetsharks
Genus: Parascyllium
Species: sparsimaculatum
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Common Name– Carpet Sharks
Family– Parascylliidae
Common Name– Collared Carpetsharks
Genus– Parascyllium
Species– sparsimaculatum
Status: IUCN Red List DATA DEFICIENT
Average Size and Length: They are at least 79 cm/ 2.6 feet.
Current Rare Mythical Sightings: It was first described by Goto & Last in 2002. Type locality: off Cape Leeuwin, WA 34°56´S, 114°59´E.
Teeth and Jaw: There are teeth in between 43–49 rows on the upper jaw.
Head: The head is relatively large. The length is greater than 16% of its total length. The eyes are horizontal and somewhat large. The horizontal diameter of the eye is greater than 11% of its head length.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Ginger carpetshark can be found in western Australia. They are known only from a very small area, and are more than likely endemic to that range. There known range is small, Fremantle to Cape Leeuwin). They have been found in deep water over the upper continental slope between 804-1,427 feet. They are considered bathydemersal.
Aesthetic Identification: The Ginger carpetshark is brownish or greyish above and lighter below. There is an inconspicuous unspotted dusky half-collar around the gills. There are 5 indistinct dark saddles on the back and the tail. There are sparse, large dark spots and blotches on the body and the fins. There are less than 6 on the sides of the tail between the dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin origin is behind the pelvic fins. The anal fin origin is in front of the origin of the second dorsal fin origin. The pectoral fins are large. The anterior margin is more than 10% of the total length. The dorsal fins are relatively tall. They are erect with angular apices.
Biology and Reproduction: Their biology and reproduction are unknown, but presumably oviparous.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Their behavior is unknown.
Ginger Carpetshark Future and Conservation: There is not enough data to evaluate. There have been only 3 species found.
Ginger Carpetshark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.