The Taiwan Saddled carpetshark (Cirrhoscyllium formosanum) is a Collared Carpetshark belonging to the family Parascylliidae found around Taiwan, between latitudes 28°N and 21°N. They have unique saddle marks on their backs, and cartilage-cored paired barbels.
Family: Parascylliidae – Collared Carptesharks
Genus: Cirrhoscyllium
Species: formosanum
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Common Name– Carpet Sharks
Family– Parascylliidae
Common Name– Collared Carpetsharks
Genus– Cirrhoscyllium
Species– formosanum
Status: IUCN Red List DATA DEFICIENT
Average Size and Length: Mature males have been measured at 35 cm/ 1.1 foot. The maximum known has been measured at 39 cm/ 1.3 feet.
Teeth and Jaw: The upper and lower teeth are similar in shape. Both with cusps. Some slender straight to a point, and others curved to a slight hook.
Head: The length of the head is 2.3-2.6 times the first dorsal fin base. There are nasoral groves. The mouth is in front of the eyes. There are small spiracles.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The Taiwan Saddled carpetshark cann be found in the northwest Pacific off of Taiwan Island. They can be found on the outer shelf at about 361 feet.
Aesthetic Identification: The Taiwan Saddled carpetshark has 6 diffuse saddle marks on the back, which are not C-shaped. There is an elongated and rounded saddle on each side of the back between the pectoral and the pelvic fins. The fin bases extend over the pelvic fin bases. There are cartilage-cored paired barbels on the throat.
Biology and Reproduction: Unknown, but presumably oviparous.
Behavioral Traits, Sensing and Intelligence: Unknown.
Taiwan Saddled Carpetshark Future and Conservation: There is not enough data to evaluate. Only 12 specimens have been collected at the bottom longlines. They are possibly caught as trawl bycatch.
Taiwan Saddled Carpetshark Recorded Attacks on Humans: Not a threat to humans.