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Lined catshark (Halaelurus lineatus) — Scyliorhinidae

Lined catshark

Halaelurus lineatus

The Lined catshark (Halaelurus lineatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Scyliorhinidae that grows up to 56 cm.

Length
56 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–290.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Mozambique, South Africa

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Description

The lined catshark is a small catshark (Scyliorhinidae) from coastal waters of the southwest Indian Ocean, off southeastern Africa. The species grows to about 56 cm and has a slender, yellow-brown body with numerous narrow dark crossbars and a slightly upturned snout. As a bottom-dweller it lives on sand and reef bottoms of shallow coastal water and hunts small fish, crustaceans and squid. It lays eggs in horny capsules. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lined catshark?

The Lined catshark has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Lined catshark live?

The Lined catshark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Mozambique, South Africa

How big does the Lined catshark get?

The Lined catshark grows to a maximum of about 56 cm.

Is the Lined catshark dangerous to humans?

No, the Lined 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

Lined catshark (Halaelurus lineatus) — Scyliorhinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Gareth Yearsley, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Lined catshark (Halaelurus lineatus) — Scyliorhinidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Gareth Yearsley, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Lined catshark (Halaelurus lineatus) — Scyliorhinidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Gareth Yearsley, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Lined catshark (Halaelurus lineatus) — Scyliorhinidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Gareth Yearsley, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Lined catshark sourced
Scientific name
Halaelurus lineatus
Family
Scyliorhinidae
Other names
Lined cat shark; Lined catshark; Banded catshark verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
290.0 verified
Natural range
Africa: Mozambique, South Africa 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 Halaelurus

More from the family Scyliorhinidae

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