The Spotless catshark (Bythaelurus immaculatus) is a shark belonging to the family Scyliorhinidae found in the South China Sea, at depths between 1,752-3,346 feet on the continental slope. It is a larger shark for its family, but plain and drab in appearance.
Family: Scyliorhinidae – Catsharks
Genus: Bythaelurus
Species: immaculatus
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Common Name– Ground Sharks
Family– Scyliorhinidae
Common Name– Catsharks
Genus– Bythaelurus
Species– immaculatus
Status: IUCN Red List DATA DEFICIENT
Average Size and Length: Adult sharks were measured between 71-76 cm/2.3-2.5 feet.
Head: The snout is rounded.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Spotless catshark can be found in the south China Sea about 380-400 km east of Hainan Island (20°N – 17°N). They can be found on the bottom of the continental slope between 1,752-3,346 feet. They are considered bathydemersal.
Aesthetic Identification: The Spotless catshark is large, with a long abdomen, yellowish-brown drab-looking shark with no unique markings. It is quite similar to the New Zealand catshark. The first dorsal fin is smaller than the second. The small first dorsal fin originates over the pelvic fin bases. The much larger second dorsal fin originates over the anal fin base.
Biology and Reproduction: Unknown, but possibly oviparous.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Spotless Catshark Future and Conservation: There is not enough data to evaluate. They are a fairly recently described species of shark.
Spotless Catshark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.