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Pale catshark (Apristurus sibogae) — Scyliorhinidae

Pale catshark

Apristurus sibogae

The Pale catshark (Apristurus sibogae) is a saltwater fish of the family Scyliorhinidae that grows up to 21 cm.

Length
21 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–655.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Indonesia

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Description

The Pale catshark is a deep-sea catshark (Pentanchidae) from the western Pacific, around Indonesia. The species grows to about 21 cm and has a soft, pale grey-white body with a long, broad snout and large nostrils, characteristic of the genus. As a dweller of the deep continental slope it searches cold, dark water over sand and mud bottoms for 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 Pale catshark?

The Pale catshark has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly white.

Where does the Pale catshark live?

The Pale catshark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Indonesia

How big does the Pale catshark get?

The Pale catshark grows to a maximum of about 21 cm.

Is the Pale catshark dangerous to humans?

No, the Pale 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Pale catshark sourced
Scientific name
Apristurus sibogae
Family
Scyliorhinidae
Other names
Pale catshark; Pale cat shark verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
21.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
White sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
655.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Indonesia 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 Apristurus

More from the family Scyliorhinidae

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