Very slender body, typical appearance of a "cat shark." Origin of first dorsal fin over midbase of pelvic fins. Second dorsal fin much larger than anal fin.
Coloration
Very unique coloration. Brownish, with dark pattern and white spots. Ventral surface white.
Distribution
Indo-Western Pacific: Pakistan, India to Malaysia. Singapore, Indonesia, New Guinea. Thailand. Vietnam. Philippines. Southern China to Taiwan.
Biology
A little-known, abundant species. Lives in shallow shore areas, prefers corals with crevices.
Diet
Invertebrates.
Size
Average size between 40 cm and 50 cm, maximum total length about 70 cm.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg laying). Males and females reach sexual maturity at about 50 cm.
Similar Species
Although this species has a distinctive coloration, some other species of this family have a very similar apperance and taxonomic features have to be used to clearly distinguish.
Vulnerability
Category:Near Threatened (NT) Criteria:A2cd Last evaluated:2021 Trend:
