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Dawson's catshark (Bythaelurus dawsoni) — Scyliorhinidae

Dawson's catshark

Bythaelurus dawsoni

The Dawson's catshark (Bythaelurus dawsoni) is a saltwater fish of the family Scyliorhinidae that grows up to 45 cm.

Length
45 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
50.0–1200.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

Dawson's catshark is a small deep-sea catshark (Pentanchidae) endemic to waters around New Zealand. The species grows to about 45 cm and has a slender, brownish body with a rough skin and small dark markings. As a dweller of the continental slope it searches cold, dark water over sand and mud bottoms for small invertebrates and small fish. It lays eggs in horny capsules. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dawson's catshark?

The Dawson's catshark has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Dawson's catshark live?

The Dawson's catshark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Dawson's catshark get?

The Dawson's catshark grows to a maximum of about 45 cm.

Is the Dawson's catshark dangerous to humans?

No, the Dawson's catshark is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Dawsons kathaai sourced
English name
Dawson's catshark sourced
Scientific name
Bythaelurus dawsoni
Family
Scyliorhinidae
Other names
New Zealand cat shark; New Zealand catshark verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
45.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
50.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1200.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Scyliorhinidae

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