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Australian spotted catshark (Asymbolus analis) — Scyliorhinidae

Australian spotted catshark

Asymbolus analis

The Australian spotted catshark (Asymbolus analis) is a saltwater fish of the family Scyliorhinidae that grows up to 90 cm.

Length
90 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
10.0–180.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The Australian spotted catshark is a small catshark (Scyliorhinidae) from coastal and slope waters of southern Australia. The species grows to about 90 cm and has a slender, yellow-brown body densely covered with dark and pale spots. As a bottom-dweller it lives on sand and reef bottoms of the continental margin and hunts small crustaceans, molluscs and small fish. It lays egg capsules. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Australian spotted catshark?

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

Where does the Australian spotted catshark live?

The Australian spotted catshark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Australian spotted catshark get?

The Australian spotted catshark grows to a maximum of about 90 cm.

Is the Australian spotted catshark dangerous to humans?

No, the Australian spotted 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

Australian spotted catshark (Asymbolus analis) — Scyliorhinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) divemad, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Australian spotted catshark (Asymbolus analis) — Scyliorhinidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Marine Explorer (Dr John Turnbull), some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA))
Australian spotted catshark (Asymbolus analis) — Scyliorhinidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Luke Quinane, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Australian spotted catshark (Asymbolus analis) — Scyliorhinidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Ken Graham, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Australian spotted catshark sourced
Scientific name
Asymbolus analis
Family
Scyliorhinidae
Other names
Australian spotted catshark; Darkspotted catshark; Grey spotted cat shark; Grey spotted catshark; Spotted catshark; Spotted dogfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
90.0 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
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
10.0 verified
Max depth (m)
180.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia 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

Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
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 Asymbolus

More from the family Scyliorhinidae

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