Apristurus microps (Smalleye catshark)

(Gilchrist, 1922)

Life > Eukaryotes > Opisthokonta > Metazoa (animals) > Bilateria > Deuterostomia > Chordata > Craniata > Vertebrata (vertebrates)  > Gnathostomata (jawed vertebrates) >.Chondrichthyes > Elasmobranchii > Galeomorphii > Carcharhiniformes > Scyliorhinidae

Apristurus microps (Smalleye catshark) [Illustration by Ann Hecht ©]

Identification

A plain, dark, stout catshark with small eyes, a thick long broad snout, mouth projecting well in front of eyes, long labial furrows, and very short pectoral fins. Colour uniform black, dark to medium brown, or grey, no markings.

Size

To 61 cm TL.

Range

West coast, central Namibia to Cape Agulhas; elsewhere known from the North Atlantic.

Habitat

Slope at 700 to 1016 m.

Biology

Common but little-known. Lays eggs. Eats small bony fish, shrimp, squid, and possibly other sharks.

Human Impact

None.

Text by Leonard J.V. Compagno, David A. Ebert and Malcolm J. Smale