Catshark

The cat sharks or catsharks are a large family (Scyliorhinidae) of sharks, with over 110 species recorded.

Cat sharks may be distinguished by their elongated cat-like eyes and two small dorsal fins[?] set far back. Most species are not particularly large, with lengths up to 60-70 cm or so, although the humpback cat shark[?] Apristurus gibbosus from the deep waters of the South China Sea has been recorded at 4 meters in length.

Most of the species have a patterned appearance, ranging from stripes to patches to spots. They feed on invertebrates and smaller fish. Some species are ovoviviparous[?] while most lay eggs in tough egg-cases with curly tendrils at each end.

The "swell sharks" of genus Cephaloscyllium[?] have the curious ability to fill their stomachs with water or air when threatened, increasing their girth by a factor of 2 or 3.

The marbled catshark[?] Atelomycterus macleayi is a favored type for home aquaria, because it rarely grows to more than 60 cm (2 ft).

External link

• FishBase entry for Scyliorhinidae (http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/FamilySummary.cfm?ID=10)