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Campeche catshark (Parmaturus campechiensis) — Scyliorhinidae

Campeche catshark

Parmaturus campechiensis

The Campeche catshark (Parmaturus campechiensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Scyliorhinidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
16 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–1097.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Campeche catshark is a very rare, small deep-sea catshark (Pentanchidae) known only from the deep parts of the Gulf of Mexico. The species grows to about 16 cm and has a soft, dark body with a rough skin, adapted to life on the cold, dark ocean floor. It probably searches for small invertebrates and carrion. It lays eggs in horny capsules. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Campeche catshark?

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

Where does the Campeche catshark live?

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

How big does the Campeche catshark get?

The Campeche catshark grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Campeche catshark dangerous to humans?

No, the Campeche catshark is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Campeche-kathaai sourced
English name
Campeche catshark sourced
Scientific name
Parmaturus campechiensis
Family
Scyliorhinidae
Other names
Campeche catshark; Campeche shark verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
16.0 verified
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
Max depth (m)
1097.0 verified
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 Parmaturus

More from the family Scyliorhinidae

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