The Polkadot catshark (Scyliorhinus besnardi) is a species of catshark belonging to the family Scyliorhinidae found in the southwest Atlantic in northern Uruguay and Brazil. This shark appears to have black polka dots scattered all over the body.
Family: Scyliorhinidae – Catsharks
Genus: Scyliorhinus
Species: besnardi
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Common Name– Ground Sharks
Family– Scyliorhinidae
Common Name– Catsharks
Genus– Scyliorhinus
Species– besnardi
Status: IUCN Red List DATA DEFICIENT
Average Size and Length: The longest recorded was an adult male at 47 cm/1.5 feet.
Teeth and Jaw: There are labial furrows only on the lower jaw.
Head: There are small anterior nasal flaps that end in front of the mouth. There are no nasoral grooves.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Polkadot catshark can be found in the southwest Atlantic in northern Uruguay and Brazil (31°S – 39°S) on the outer continental shelf on the bottom, between 459-623 feet. It is considered subtropical demersal.
Aesthetic Identification: The Polkadot catshark is fairly small and slender. It has sporadically, almost round, black spots on the fins, the sides and the back, sometimes with light centers. The second dorsal fin is much smaller than the first dorsal fin.
Biology and Reproduction: They are presumably oviparous.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Polkadot Catshark Future and Conservation: There is not enough data to evaluate.
Polkadot Catshark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.