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Blackspotted catshark (Aulohalaelurus labiosus) — Scyliorhinidae

Blackspotted catshark

Aulohalaelurus labiosus

The Blackspotted catshark (Aulohalaelurus labiosus) is a saltwater fish of the family Scyliorhinidae that grows up to 67 cm.

Length
67 cm
Water
Saltwater
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Blackspotted catshark is a small catshark (Scyliorhinidae) from coastal waters of southwestern Australia. The species grows to about 67 cm and has a slender, brown body with numerous black spots and cat-like eyes. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it rests by day among rocks and on sand bottoms and hunts small fish, crustaceans and molluscs by night. It lays eggs in horny capsules. This small shark is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackspotted catshark?

The Blackspotted catshark has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Blackspotted catshark live?

The Blackspotted catshark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Blackspotted catshark get?

The Blackspotted catshark grows to a maximum of about 67 cm.

Is the Blackspotted catshark dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackspotted catshark is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zwartstip-kathaai sourced
English name
Blackspotted catshark sourced
Scientific name
Aulohalaelurus labiosus
Family
Scyliorhinidae
Other names
Australian blackspotted catshark; Black-spotted cat shark; Blackspotted catshark; Black-spotted catshark verified

Appearance

Max length (cm)
67 sourced
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Scyliorhinidae

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