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Broadfin sawtail catshark (Galeus nipponensis) — Scyliorhinidae

Broadfin sawtail catshark

Galeus nipponensis

The Broadfin sawtail catshark (Galeus nipponensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Scyliorhinidae that grows up to 70 cm.

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

Description

The Broadfin sawtail catshark is a small catshark (Pentanchidae) from the northwest Pacific, off Japan. The species grows to about 70 cm and has a slender, brownish body with dark saddle blotches and owes its name to a crest of enlarged, saw-tooth-like scales along the upper edge of the tail. As a dweller of the continental slope it searches cold, dark water for small fish, crustaceans and squid. It lays eggs in horny capsules. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Broadfin sawtail catshark?

The Broadfin sawtail catshark has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Broadfin sawtail catshark live?

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

How big does the Broadfin sawtail catshark get?

The Broadfin sawtail catshark grows to a maximum of about 70 cm.

Is the Broadfin sawtail catshark dangerous to humans?

No, the Broadfin sawtail catshark is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Breedvin-zaagstaartkathaai sourced
English name
Broadfin sawtail catshark sourced
Scientific name
Galeus nipponensis
Family
Scyliorhinidae
Other names
Broadfin sawtail catshark verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
70.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

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

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Galeus

More from the family Scyliorhinidae

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