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Quagga catshark (Halaelurus quagga) — Scyliorhinidae

Quagga catshark

Halaelurus quagga

The Quagga catshark (Halaelurus quagga) is a saltwater fish of the family Scyliorhinidae that grows up to 32 cm.

Length
31.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
54.0–187.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: India, Somalia

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Description

The quagga catshark is a small catshark (Scyliorhinidae) from coastal waters of the western Indian Ocean. The species grows to about 32 cm and has a slender body with a striking pattern of numerous narrow dark crossbars, reminiscent of the stripes of the extinct quagga. As a bottom-dweller it lives on sand and reef bottoms and hunts small invertebrates and small fish. It lays eggs in horny capsules. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Quagga catshark?

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

Where does the Quagga catshark live?

The Quagga catshark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: India, Somalia

How big does the Quagga catshark get?

The Quagga catshark grows to a maximum of about 32 cm.

Is the Quagga catshark dangerous to humans?

No, the Quagga 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

Quagga catshark (Halaelurus quagga) — Scyliorhinidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — K.V. Akhilesh & C.P. R. Shanis (CC BY 3.0)
Quagga catshark (Halaelurus quagga) — Scyliorhinidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Alfred William Alcock, Indian Museum (Public domain)
Quagga catshark (Halaelurus quagga) — Scyliorhinidae — 4
Raredon, Sandra J. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Quagga catshark (Halaelurus quagga) — Scyliorhinidae — 5
Raredon, Sandra J. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
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All data

Identification

English name
Quagga catshark sourced
Scientific name
Halaelurus quagga
Family
Scyliorhinidae
Other names
Quagga catshark; Quagga cat shark verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
31.5 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)
54.0 verified
Max depth (m)
187.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: India, Somalia 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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