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Antilles catshark (Galeus antillensis) — Scyliorhinidae

Antilles catshark

Galeus antillensis

The Antilles catshark (Galeus antillensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Scyliorhinidae that grows up to 46 cm.

Length
46 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
150.0–700.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Antigua Barbuda, Virgin Is. (UK), Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Rp, Guadeloupe and others

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Description

The Antilles catshark is a sawtail catshark (Pentanchidae) of deeper coastal waters and the continental slope in the Caribbean and western Atlantic. The species grows to about 46 cm and has a slender, brown body with dark saddle marks and a row of enlarged, saw-like scales along the upper edge of the tail. As a bottom-dweller of the depths it hunts small fish, crustaceans and squid and lays eggs in horny capsules. This small shark is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Antilles catshark?

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

Where does the Antilles catshark live?

The Antilles catshark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Antigua Barbuda, Virgin Is. (UK), Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Rp, Guadeloupe and others

How big does the Antilles catshark get?

The Antilles catshark grows to a maximum of about 46 cm.

Is the Antilles catshark dangerous to humans?

No, the Antilles 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

Antilles catshark (Galeus antillensis) — Scyliorhinidae — 2
Pitassy, Diane E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Antilles catshark (Galeus antillensis) — Scyliorhinidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — S. Springer (Public domain) [illustratie]
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All data

Identification

English name
Antilles catshark sourced
Scientific name
Galeus antillensis
Family
Scyliorhinidae

Appearance

Size class
Large
Max length (cm)
46 sourced
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
Min depth (m)
150.0 verified
Max depth (m)
700.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Antigua Barbuda, Virgin Is. (UK), Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Rp, Guadeloupe and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

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 Galeus

More from the family Scyliorhinidae

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