Fin's Fish Guide
The Yellow-spotted cat shark (Scyliorhinus capensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Scyliorhinidae that grows up to 122 cm.
Description
The yellowspotted catshark is a catshark (Scyliorhinidae) from the waters off southern Africa. The species has a slender, brownish body densely covered with yellow spots and large, cat-like eyes. It is a common shark of inshore to offshore waters and lives near the bottom. As a bottom hunter it feeds on small bony fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods. It lays egg cases. Owing to fishing pressure it is considered near threatened. It is small and harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Yellow-spotted cat shark?
The Yellow-spotted cat shark has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Body densely scattered with yellow spots; small oviparous bottom shark, near threatened because of fishing.
Where does the Yellow-spotted cat shark live?
The Yellow-spotted cat shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Off southern Africa; inshore to offshore waters, near the bottom.
How big does the Yellow-spotted cat shark get?
The Yellow-spotted cat shark grows to a maximum of about 122 cm.
Is the Yellow-spotted cat shark dangerous to humans?
No, the Yellow-spotted cat shark is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Yellow-spotted cat shark edible?
The Yellow-spotted cat shark is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Scyliorhinus
More from the family Scyliorhinidae
Want the complete picture on the Yellow-spotted cat shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Yellow-spotted cat shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.