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Apristurus microps (Gilchrist, 1922) Smalleye catshark |
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photo by
FAO |
Family: | Pentanchidae (Deepwater catsharks) | |||
Max. size: | 61 cm TL (male/unsexed); 43.2 cm TL (female) | |||
Environment: | bathydemersal; marine; depth range 1000 - 2200 m | |||
Distribution: | Southeast Atlantic: off the Orange River to Cape Agulhas, South Africa. Elsewhere known from the North Atlantic. | |||
Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0. A stout, plain catshark with small eyes, a long thick and broad snout, and long labial furrows; mouth projecting well in front of eyes; pectoral fins very short (Ref. 5578). Uniformly black or dark to medium brown or grey; no markings (Ref. 5578). | |||
Biology: | Found on the continental slope, on or near the bottom (Ref. 244). Feeds on small bony fish, shrimp, squid, and possibly other sharks (Ref. 5578). Oviparous (Ref. 50449). | |||
IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 April 2018 Ref. (130435) | |||
Threat to humans: | harmless |