ANIMAL SPECIES:False Catshark, Pseudotriakis microdon Capello, 1868
The False Catshark is a is a deep-sea ground shark with elongated cat-like eyes and is found in continental and insular slope waters.
Identification
The False Catshark is a soft-bodied fish that has a long first dorsal fin and a small lower caudal fin lobe. It has elongated cat-like eyes and a very large mouth with a wide gape.
This species is dark brown to grey. The fin edges may be darker.
Size range
Female False Catsharks grow to about 3 m in length. Males reach a maximum length of about 2.7 m.Distribution
The species is known from numerous localities in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of False Catshark specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
The False Catshark occurs in continental and insular slope waters usually in depths between 200 m and 1500 m. It is rarely caught over the continental shelf.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
Prey items are yet to be confirmed but probably include bony fishes, sharks, rays and invertebrates.
Classification
- Species:
- microdon
- Genus:
- Pseudotriakis
- Family:
- Pseudotriakidae
- Class:
- Chondrichthyes
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Compagno, L.J.V. 1984. FAO species catalogue. Vol. 4, Sharks of the World. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of shark species known to date. Part 2 - Carcharhiniformes: 251-655. \
- Fishbase: Pseudotriakis microdon. [Online January 2003].
- Tricas, T.C., McCosker, J.E., & T.I. Walker. in Taylor, L. (Ed). 1997. Sharks & Rays. Harper Collins. Pp.288.
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A False Catshark collected by an AFMA observer. View full size
Mark McGrouther
© Australian Museum
The False Catshark has catlike eyes and large spiracles. View full size
Mark McGrouther
© Australian Museum
The False Catshark has a very large mouth with a wide gape. View full size
Mark McGrouther
© Australian Museum
The False Catshark's small teeth are in a band of over 200 rows. View full size
Mark McGrouther
© Australian Museum
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