Whitefin swellshark
📖 Overview
Whitefin swellshark (Cephaloscyllium albipinnum) is a ray-finned fish of the family Scyliorhinidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in deep-water environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 101 cm. It occurs at depths between 126 and 554 metres. With a trophic level of 4.2, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
A large species with the following characters: head 8.6-13.5% TL in height, trunk 16.1-23.8% TL in width; origin of first dorsal-fin usually forward of mid pelvic-fin base; prenarial 4.5-5.1% TL in length; length of preorbital snout 1.4-1.7 times prenarial length, 2.5-3.1 in prepectoral length, 6.3-6.9 in pre-pelvic length; snout-vent long, its length 48.1-52.4% TL; width of nostril 2.4-2.7% TL; eye-spiracle space wide, 1.0–1.4% TL; pectoral fin large, its height 12.6-13.6% TL, posterior margin 12.0-13.6% TL in length; anal fin tall, height 3.8–4.4% TL; anal-caudal space 4.0-5.6% SL; precaudal length 74-78% TL; interdorsal space 6.3-7.6% TL; teeth with 3-5 cusps near symphysis of upper jaw; mainly weak tricuspidate flank denticles; back without greatly enlarged denticles; long adult clasper, up to 8.8% TL, almost reaching anal fin, interspace about 4.4 in anal-fin base; vertebral centra 121-126; tooth count high, each jaw with 90-116 teeth; strong pattern of saddles and blotches on upper half of body; dark, transverse dorsal markings (9-10) on body and tail, interspaces between are narrow; interspiracular saddle subequal to eye and spiracle length; over and above gill slits with large circular blotch; fins with variably developed, narrow pale margins .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Whitefin swellshark is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Whitefin swellshark is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Whitefin swellshark is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; bathypelagic; depth range 126 - 554 m . Temperate West Pacific: Southern part of Australia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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