Catshark

Catsharks are ground sharks of the family Scyliorhinidae, with over 150 known species. While they are generally known as catsharks, many species are commonly called dogfish.

Catsharks are found in temperate and tropical seas worldwide, ranging from very shallow intertidal waters to depths of 2000 m or more, depending on species.

Description


Catsharks may be distinguished by their elongated cat-like eyes and two small dorsal fins set far back. Most species are fairly small, growing no longer than 80 cm; a few, such as the nursehound (Scyliorhinus stellaris) can reach 1.6 m 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 aplacental viviparous, but most lay eggs in tough egg-cases with curly tendrils at each end, known as mermaid's purses.

The "swell sharks" of the 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.

Aquaria
The American marbled catshark, Atelomycterus macleayi, is a favored type for home aquaria, because it rarely grows to more than 60 cm in length. The coral catshark, however, is the most common scyliorhinid in home aquaria.

Genera
The family includes 17 genera and over 150 species, making it the largest family of sharks.
 * Apristurus Garman, 1913
 * Asymbolus Whitley, 1939
 * Atelomycterus Garman, 1913
 * Aulohalaelurus Fowler, 1934
 * Bythaelurus Compagno, 1988
 * Cephaloscyllium T. N. Gill, 1862
 * Cephalurus Bigelow and Schroeder, 1941
 * Figaro Whitley, 1928
 * Galeus Rafinesque, 1810
 * Halaelurus T. N. Gill, 1862
 * Haploblepharus Garman, 1913
 * Holohalaelurus Fowler, 1934
 * Parmaturus Garman, 1906
 * Pentanchus H. M. Smith and Radcliffe in Smith, 1912
 * Poroderma A. Smith, 1838
 * Schroederichthys A. Smith, 1838
 * Scyliorhinus Blainville, 1816

Cladogram

 * Scyliorhinidae
 * Scyliorhininae
 * Galeinae
 * Pentanchini
 * Galeini
 * Galeina
 * Halelaelurina
 * Atelomycterininae
 * Schroedericthyinae