Haploblepharus fuscus Smith, 1950
Brown shyshark
Haploblepharus fuscus
photo by FAO

Family:  Pentanchidae (Deepwater catsharks)
Max. size:  69 cm TL (male/unsexed); 73 cm TL (female)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Southeast Atlantic: just west of Cape Agulhas to southern Natal in South Africa (Ref. 5578). This species is sympatric with Haploblepharus edwardsii in the southeastern Cape region but there is at least partial microhabitat separation between the two - Haploblepharus fuscus occurs inshore while Haploblepharus edwardsii occurs in deeper water offshore (Ref. 244).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0. The largest shyshark, usually plain yellowish-brown above becoming just yellowish below; small light spots and indistinct brown saddles in some specimens (Ref. 5578).
Biology:  Found close inshore on the continental shelf, often in shallow, rocky areas (Ref. 244). Feeds on lobsters, crabs and small bony fish (Ref. 5578). Oviparous (Ref. 50449). Readily kept in captivity (Ref. 244). Caught by shore anglers (Ref. 5578).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 01 August 2019 (A2bcd) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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