The Grey Spotted catshark (Asymbolus analis) is a catshark belonging to the family Scyliorhinidae. It is unique in appearance, being a whiteish color, with dark brown spots that are evenly spaces, and dark saddles on the sides and back. It can be found in Australia from southern Queensland to Victoria. This shark remains well within the sunlit zone.
Family: Scyliorhinidae – Catsharks
Genus: Asymbolus
Species: analis
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Common Name– Ground Sharks
Family– Scyliorhinidae
Common Name– Catsharks
Genus– Asymbolus
Species– analis
Status: IUCN Red List LEAST CONCERN
Average Size and Length: Mature sharks have been measured at 46 cm/1.5 feet. The maximum recorded is 61 cm/2 feet.
Teeth and Jaw: There are short labial furrows along the jaws and the upper teeth are exposed.
Head: The head is short, slightly flattened, rounded and pointed. The snout is short and thick. There are narrow ridges below the eyes.
Tail: The caudal fin is short and broad.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Grey Spotted catshark can be found in the Indo-west Pacific in Australia from southern Queensland to Victoria (32°S – 38°S). They can be found on the bottom on the continental shelf close inshore at about 131 feet to offshore at about 574 feet. Their depth range is 33-591 feet, but typically they stay between 33-197 feet in temperate seas.
Aesthetic Identification: The Grey Spotted catshark is greyish white with evenly-sized and widely-spaced dark brown spots and obscure dark saddle-like blotches on the back and sides. There are also some whiteish specks. There are two small dorsal fins behind the pelvic fin bases. The pelvic inner fin margins are fused to form an apron over the claspers in adult males. The anal fin is short an angular.
Biology and Reproduction: Unknown. They may be oviparous.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Grey Spotted Catshark Future and Conservation: They are of least concern. They may be taken by trawl as bycatch.
Grey Spotted Catshark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.