The Longfin catshark (Apristurus herklotsi) is a shark belonging to the family Scyliorhinidae found in the western Pacific from Japan to the Philippines, and the East and South China Seas. They are found in deep water. The Longfin catshark has several visual differences than some other sharks within its family. It is a small species. Not much is known about this shark.
Family: Scyliorhinidae – Catsharks
Genus: Apristurus
Species: herklotsi
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Common Name– Ground Sharks
Family– Scyliorhinidae
Common Name– Catsharks
Genus– Apristurus
Species– herklotsi
Status: IUCN Red List DATA DEFICIENT
Average Size and Length: Mature male sharks have been measured between 40-43 cm/1.3-1.4 feet. The maximum recorded has been 49 cm/1.6 feet.
Teeth and Jaw: The mouth is short. The labial furrows are extremely long with the uppers reaching the upper symphysis and the lowers shorter. The teeth are small and closely set.
Head: The head is small, broad and flattened with an elongated and rounded snout. It has large nostrils. The mouth is just in front of the eyes.
Tail: The caudal fin is long and narrow.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Longfin catshark can be found in the south and east China seas in China, Philippines, Okinawa Trough and Shikoku in southern Japan. They are bottom dwelling in deep water from 1,706-2,986 feet.
Aesthetic Identification: The Longfin catshark is small, plain brown to blackish brown in color. The gill slits are short and incised to about one third the size of the second. They originate in front of or about opposite the pelvic insertions. The anal fi is long, low and angular separated by a small notch.
Biology and Reproduction: Unknown.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Longfin Catshark Future and Conservation: They are not evaluated.
Longfin Catshark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.