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Salamander shark (Parmaturus pilosus) — Scyliorhinidae

Salamander shark

Parmaturus pilosus

The Salamander shark (Parmaturus pilosus) is a saltwater fish of the family Scyliorhinidae that grows up to 64 cm.

Length
64 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–786.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Japan, Ryukyu Is.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The Salamander shark is a deep-sea catshark (Pentanchidae) from the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 64 cm and has a slender, brownish body with a rough skin. 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 Salamander shark?

The Salamander shark has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Salamander shark live?

The Salamander shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Japan, Ryukyu Is.

How big does the Salamander shark get?

The Salamander shark grows to a maximum of about 64 cm.

Is the Salamander shark dangerous to humans?

No, the Salamander 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 Salamander shark edible?

The Salamander shark is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Salamander shark sourced
Scientific name
Parmaturus pilosus
Family
Scyliorhinidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
786.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Japan, Ryukyu Is. 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

Edibility
Rarely eaten inferred
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 Parmaturus

More from the family Scyliorhinidae

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