Fin's Fish Guide
The Lollipop cat shark (Cephalurus cephalus) is a saltwater fish of the family Scyliorhinidae that grows up to 28 cm.
Description
The lollipop catshark is a small deep-sea shark from the eastern Pacific, off southern Baja California and in the Gulf of California. It grows to about 28 cm and takes its name from its strikingly broad, flattened and greatly enlarged head with an inflated gill region, followed by a slender body. The enlarged gills help it survive in low-oxygen deep water on the upper continental slope, between about 150 and 930 metres. The fish is dark coloured and ovoviviparous. It feeds on small deep-sea prey. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lollipop cat shark?
The Lollipop cat shark has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Greatly enlarged, flattened head with an inflated gill region for oxygen-poor deep water
Where does the Lollipop cat shark live?
The Lollipop cat shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific
How big does the Lollipop cat shark get?
The Lollipop cat shark grows to a maximum of about 28 cm. On average the species is around 24 cm.
Is the Lollipop cat shark dangerous to humans?
No, the Lollipop cat shark 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.
Is the Lollipop cat shark edible?
The Lollipop 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
More from the family Scyliorhinidae
Want the complete picture on the Lollipop cat shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lollipop cat shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.