Black roughscale catshark
📖 Overview
Black roughscale catshark (Apristurus melanoasper), first described by Iglésias, Nakaya & Stehmann, 2004 is a large fish in the family Pentanchidae (order Carcharhiniformes). Adults typically reach 76.10 cm in maximum length and up to 1.300 kg. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 512 to 1520 metres. It occurs in Deep-water waters. Diet is predominantly piscivorous, targeting other fish and larger prey. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Diagnosis: Body uniformly black, slightly brownish in larger specimens. Dermal denticles large and giving a rough texture to the skin. Upper labial furrows longer than the lower ones. First dorsal fin only slightly smaller than the second dorsal fin, originating from above anterior third to middle of the pelvic fin base. Second dorsal fin insertion just before level of anal fin insertion. Interorbital space 1.9-3.5 times eye horizontal diameter. Abdomen between pectoral fin tip and pelvic fin origin 1.3-2.5 times pectoral fin width. Spiral valves of the intestine 19-23 (mostly 21-22). Monospondylous + precaudal diplospondylous vertebrae 36-43 + 26-32 (often 38-40 + 28-30). Dermal denticles on tongue and palate absent .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Black roughscale catshark is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; bathypelagic; depth range 512 - 1520 m . Deep-water North Atlantic: Slope, off northern U.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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