The Graceful catshark (Proscyllium habereri) is a species of Finback catshark, belonging to the family Proscylliidae. It is found in the western Pacific Ocean, from southeastern Japan to Vietnam and northwestern Java, at depths between 164 and 328 feet. With beautiful patterns and a slender look, this shark is an eye-catching specimen.
Family: Proscylliidae – Finback Catsharks
Genus: Proscyllium
Species: habereri
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Common Name– Ground Sharks
Family– Proscylliidae
Common Name– Finback Catsharks
Genus– Proscyllium
Species– habereri
Status: IUCN Red List DATA DEFICIENT
Average Size and Length: Adult males measure between 42-57 cm/1.4-1.9 feet, and adult females between 51-65 cm/1.7-2.1 feet. The maximum recorded is 65 cm/2.1 feet.
Teeth and Jaw: The mouth is triangular and extends past the eyes.
Head: The eyes are large, and cat like with nictitating membranes. The large anterior nasal flaps almost reach the mouth.
Tail: The tail is long with a broad caudal fin. The caudal fin is without a rippled dorsal margin and the ventral lobe but is with a strong subterminal notch. The vertebral axis of caudal fin is a little raised above the body axis.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Graceful catshark can be found in the western Pacific in northwest Java, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Korea, the Ryukyu Islands and southeast Japan (39°N – 8°S). They are found on continental and insular shelves between 164-328 feet. They are considered tropical demersal. They are also thought to dwell on the sublittoral zone, down to 1,050 feet.
Diet: They feed on bony fish, crustacea, and cephalopods.
Aesthetic Identification: The Graceful catshark has a slender body, with small to large dark brown spots. There are sometimes small white spots and indistinct dusky saddle blotches on the fins and body.
Biology and Reproduction: They are oviparous, having one egg per uterus.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Speed: More than likely this shark is slow-moving.
Graceful Catshark Future and Conservation: There is currently not enough data to evaluate.
Graceful Catshark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.