Fin's Fish Guide
The Black-spotted cat shark (Halaelurus buergeri) is a saltwater fish of the family Scyliorhinidae that grows up to 49 cm.
Description
The blackspotted catshark is a small catshark from the northwest Pacific, along Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan. The species grows to about 49 cm and has a slender, light brown body densely covered with small black spots, and a slightly upturned snout tip. As a bottom-dweller it lives on the continental shelf and lays eggs in horny capsules, sometimes several at a time. It hunts small fish and invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black-spotted cat shark?
The Black-spotted cat shark has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Densely scattered with black spots; lays eggs in horny cases
Where does the Black-spotted cat shark live?
The Black-spotted cat shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northwest Pacific
How big does the Black-spotted cat shark get?
The Black-spotted cat shark grows to a maximum of about 49 cm.
Is the Black-spotted cat shark dangerous to humans?
No, the Black-spotted cat shark 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.
Is the Black-spotted cat shark edible?
The Black-spotted cat shark is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Halaelurus
More from the family Scyliorhinidae
Want the complete picture on the Black-spotted cat shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black-spotted cat shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.