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Narrowtail catshark (Schroederichthys maculatus) — Scyliorhinidae

Narrowtail catshark

Schroederichthys maculatus

The Narrowtail catshark (Schroederichthys maculatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Scyliorhinidae that grows up to 33 cm.

Length
33 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
190–412 m
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Honduras, Nicaragua

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Description

The Narrowtail catshark is a small catshark (Scyliorhinidae) from coastal waters of the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 34 cm and has a slender, brown body with dark saddle blotches and 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 Narrowtail catshark?

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

Where does the Narrowtail catshark live?

The Narrowtail catshark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Honduras, Nicaragua

How big does the Narrowtail catshark get?

The Narrowtail catshark grows to a maximum of about 33 cm.

Is the Narrowtail catshark dangerous to humans?

No, the Narrowtail catshark is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Narrowtail catshark (Schroederichthys maculatus) — Scyliorhinidae — 2
© President and Fellows of Harvard College (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — MCZ

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All data

Identification

English name
Narrowtail catshark sourced
Scientific name
Schroederichthys maculatus
Family
Scyliorhinidae
Other names
Narrowtail catshark; Narrowtail cat shark verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
33 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
190 verified
Max depth (m)
412 verified
Natural range
North America: Honduras, Nicaragua sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Schroederichthys

More from the family Scyliorhinidae

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