Fin's Fish Guide
The Filetail cat shark (Parmaturus xaniurus) is a saltwater fish of the family Scyliorhinidae that grows up to 45 cm.
Description
The filetail catshark is a small catshark (Pentanchidae) from the northeastern Pacific. The species has a slender, brownish body with large, cat-like eyes and a row of enlarged, rough scales along the upper edge of the tail, to which the name refers. It lives near the bottom on the outer continental shelf and upper slope. It feeds on small fishes such as lanternfishes and on invertebrates. It lays egg cases. The species is small and harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Filetail cat shark?
The Filetail cat shark has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Row of rough, enlarged scales along the upper edge of the tail; small oviparous deep-water shark.
Where does the Filetail cat shark live?
The Filetail cat shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Pacific; outer continental shelf and upper slope.
How big does the Filetail cat shark get?
The Filetail cat shark grows to a maximum of about 45 cm.
Is the Filetail cat shark dangerous to humans?
No, the Filetail cat shark is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Filetail cat shark edible?
The Filetail cat shark is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Parmaturus
More from the family Scyliorhinidae
Want the complete picture on the Filetail cat shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Filetail cat shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.