Main identification features
- eye oval
- 1st dorsal fin over pelvic
- 2nd dorsal fin large
- gill slits: 5, 2 over pectoral
- anal fin large
- c: asymmetric, base no keel
FAMILY SCYLIORHINIDAE
CATSHARKS
This is the largest family of sharks, with 15 genera and almost 105 species. The group has successfully penetrated a wide range of habitats from tropical shallows to arctic waters and oceanic depths over 2000 m. Catsharks are particularly well represented in African and Australian seas. Of the 9 species in 6 genera that occur in or the tropical eastern Pacific, only the Swellshark occurs inshore in shallow habitats.
Catsharks are characterised by having the origin of the first dorsal behind the pelvic fins, rudimentary nictitating membranes, spiracles being present, and an intestine with a spiral valve; 5 gill slits, with the last 2 over the pectoral fin; small teeth that usually have 1 point; tail strongly asymmetrical with little of no lower lobe, and the tail base without keels on sides.
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