HUMPBACK CATSHARK
Catshark with a hump on its back
The Humpback catshark (Apristurus gibbosus) is a shark belonging to the family Scyliorhinidae. The type specimens have been found in the northwest Pacific Ocean off Zhujiang, South China Sea at 2,995 feet.
Family: Scyliorhinidae – Catsharks
Genus: Apristurus
Species: gibbosus
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Common Name– Ground Sharks
Family– Scyliorhinidae
Common Name– Catsharks
Genus– Apristurus
Species– gibbosus
Status: IUCN Red List DATA DEFICIENT
Average Size and Length: Their length is mostly unknown. The type specimens were measured between 39-41 cm/1.3 feet. The maximum is probably larger.
Teeth and Jaw: The mouth is long and arched. There are long labial furrows. The uppers reach the upper symphysis and the lowers are shorter than the uppers.
Head: The head is broad and flattened. The snout is very broad and spatulate. The eyes are small. There is a prominent humped back just behind the very flat head. The nostrils are very large. The mouth is in front of the eyes.
Tail: The caudal fin is elongated.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The type specimens were collected from the South China Sea off of southern China. They have been found over the continental slope at 2,995 feet.
Aesthetic Identification: The Humpback catshark has a dark or dusky body. There are no light fin margins. The back has a prominent hump. The first dorsal fin base is over the pelvic fin bases. The first dorsal fin is slightly smaller than the second dorsal fin. The anal fin is large, moderately elongated, high and angular. It is separated from the tail fin by a small notch.
Biology and Reproduction: Unknown. They are more than likely oviparous.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown. The could possibly be nocturnal.
Humpback Catshark Future and Conservation: They are not evaluated.
Humpback Catshark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.