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Ichihara's velvet dogfish (Zameus ichiharai) — Somniosidae

Ichihara's velvet dogfish

Zameus ichiharai
Family: Somniosidae

The Ichihara's velvet dogfish (Zameus ichiharai) is a fish of the family Somniosidae that grows up to 50 cm.

Length
50 cm
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

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Description

Ichihara's velvet dogfish is a deep-sea shark (Somniosidae) from cool, deep waters of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a slender, dark brown-black body with a velvety skin of fine, densely set scales and large eyes. As a sluggish hunter of the deep water it feeds on small fish, squid and crustaceans. Through its deep way of life it is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ichihara's velvet dogfish?

The Ichihara's velvet dogfish is mainly black.

Where does the Ichihara's velvet dogfish live?

The Ichihara's velvet dogfish is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Ichihara's velvet dogfish get?

The Ichihara's velvet dogfish grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.

Is the Ichihara's velvet dogfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Ichihara's velvet dogfish 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
Ichihara's velvet dogfish sourced
Scientific name
Zameus ichiharai
Family
Somniosidae
Other names
Japanese velvet dogfish

Appearance

Size class
Large
Max length (cm)
50 sourced
Dominant colour
Black sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Sand / mud bottom 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

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

More from the family Somniosidae

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