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Campeche catshark (Parmaturus campechiensis) — Scyliorhinidae

Campeche catshark

Parmaturus campechiensis

The Campeche catshark (Parmaturus campechiensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Scyliorhinidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
16 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–1097.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Mexico

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Description

The Campeche catshark is a very rare, small deep-sea catshark (Pentanchidae) known only from the deep parts of the Gulf of Mexico. The species grows to about 16 cm and has a soft, dark body with a rough skin, adapted to life on the cold, dark ocean floor. It probably searches for small invertebrates and carrion. It lays eggs in horny capsules. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Campeche catshark?

The Campeche catshark has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Campeche catshark live?

The Campeche catshark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Mexico

How big does the Campeche catshark get?

The Campeche catshark grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Campeche catshark dangerous to humans?

No, the Campeche 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Campeche catshark sourced
Scientific name
Parmaturus campechiensis
Family
Scyliorhinidae
Other names
Campeche catshark; Campeche shark; Campeche cat shark verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
16.0 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
Max depth (m)
1097.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Mexico 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
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. 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 Parmaturus

More from the family Scyliorhinidae

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