Izak catshark
📖 Overview
Found on the outer continental shelf and upper slope, on or near the bottom . This species has been reported to prefer temperate to cool temperate waters, but may also be found in subtropical waters; apparently prefer 200-300 m depths on the west coast and 100-200 m depths on the south coast; and, a common by catch of demersal trawlers . Feeds mainly on pelagic bony fishes, also fish offal, hagfish eggs, crustaceans, and cephalopods . Oviparous .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0. A broad-headed catshark with crowded dark brown spots on a yellowish background, producing a net-like pattern of light lines; underside white with small black pores; no labial furrows . Specimens less than 23 cm TL blackish with white side spots .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Izak catshark is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, with one egg laid per oviduct at a time . Embryos feed solely on yolk .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; bathydemersal; depth range ? - 1075 m , usually 150 - 300 m . Deep-water; 4°S - 37°S South Africa, southwards and westwards to Cape Agulhas; westward into the Atlantic Ocean; northwards to southeast of Lüderitz, Namibia.
🌿 Ecology
pelagic bony fishes, also fish offal, hagfish eggs, crustaceans, and cephalopods (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Izak catshark |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scylliorhinus regani | Gilchrist | 1922 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 15 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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