Fin's Fish Guide
The Brown spotted cat shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum) is a saltwater fish of the family Hemiscylliidae that grows up to 132 cm.
Indo-West Pacific; coral reefs and tide pools of shallow coastal waters.
Description
The brownbanded bamboo shark is a small bottom shark of the bamboo shark family (Hemiscylliidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 1.3 metres; juveniles are conspicuously dark-banded, adults plain brown. It is a common inshore bottom shark of coral reefs and tide pools, resting among stones by day and foraging at night. It can tolerate some time out of water at low tide. As a bottom hunter it feeds on small fishes, crustaceans and worms. Reproduction is oviparous. It is a calm shark often kept in aquaria, but as a shark with teeth it should be handled with care; owing to fishing it is listed as Near Threatened (NT).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brown spotted cat shark?
The Brown spotted cat shark has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Juveniles darkly banded, adults plain brown; placid nocturnal bottom-dwelling shark, near threatened (NT).
Where does the Brown spotted cat shark live?
The Brown spotted cat shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; coral reefs and tide pools of shallow coastal waters.
How big does the Brown spotted cat shark get?
The Brown spotted cat shark grows to a maximum of about 132 cm.
Is the Brown spotted cat shark dangerous to humans?
No, the Brown spotted cat shark is harmless to humans. Not venomous, but a shark with sharp teeth; keep clear of the mouth and handle a caught or hooked shark with care. Clean any bite wound and seek medical care if it becomes infected.
Is the Brown spotted cat shark edible?
Yes, the Brown spotted cat shark is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Chiloscyllium
More from the family Hemiscylliidae
Want the complete picture on the Brown spotted cat shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brown spotted cat shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.