Western spotted catshark
📖 Overview
Western spotted catshark (Asymbolus occiduus), first described by Last, Gomon & Gledhill, 1999 is a large fish in the family Pentanchidae (order Carcharhiniformes). Adults typically reach 60.10 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 98 to 400 metres. It occurs in Temperate 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
Medium-sized body pale, yellowish green with 8 or 9 pale brownish saddles on the upper surface and sides; covered with sharply defined, brownish black spots; prominent dark spot usually beneath each eye and a single spot on dorsal midline between each saddle; trunk narrow; head relatively short. Caudal fin long, peduncle deep; dorsal and pelvic fins low; anal-fin base longer than pelvic-anal space. Teeth ridged, 5 main cusps. Monospondylous centra 37-41. Posterior margin of first dorsal fin 0.61-0.77 times its base .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Western spotted catshark is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, paired eggs are laid. Embryos feed solely on yolk .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; pelagic-oceanic; depth range 98 - 400 m . Temperate Indian Ocean: Southwestern Australia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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