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Gulf catshark (Asymbolus vincenti) — Scyliorhinidae

Gulf catshark

Asymbolus vincenti

The Gulf catshark (Asymbolus vincenti) is a saltwater fish of the family Scyliorhinidae that grows up to 61 cm.

Length
61 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
27.0–650.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The Gulf catshark is a small catshark (Scyliorhinidae) from coastal waters of southern Australia. The species grows to about 61 cm and has a slender, yellow-brown body with numerous dark and pale spots. As a bottom-dweller it lives on sand and reef bottoms of the continental shelf and hunts small fish, crustaceans and molluscs. It lays eggs in horny capsules. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Gulf catshark?

The Gulf catshark has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Gulf catshark live?

The Gulf catshark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Gulf catshark get?

The Gulf catshark grows to a maximum of about 61 cm.

Is the Gulf catshark dangerous to humans?

No, the Gulf 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.

More photos

Gulf catshark (Asymbolus vincenti) — Scyliorhinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) David Spencer Muirhead, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Gulf catshark (Asymbolus vincenti) — Scyliorhinidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) seaborn, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Gulf catshark (Asymbolus vincenti) — Scyliorhinidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Andy Burnell, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Gulf catshark (Asymbolus vincenti) — Scyliorhinidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) David Spencer Muirhead, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Gulf catshark sourced
Scientific name
Asymbolus vincenti
Family
Scyliorhinidae
Other names
Gulf catshark; St. Vincent's gulf dogfish; Gulf cat shark verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
27.0 verified
Max depth (m)
650.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia 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
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. 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 Asymbolus

More from the family Scyliorhinidae

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