Shark Projects
Learn about sharks
All about sharks
Shark protection projects
Projects

Photo © Alexa Elliot

Photo © Alexa Elliot

Photo © Alexa Elliot

Learn about sharks

For example where and when they migrate

For example where and when they migrate

For example where and when they migrate

Photo © Guy Harvey Research Institute

Photo © Guy Harvey Research Institute

Photo © Guy Harvey Research Institute

Shark projects
We support research and public outreach projects

Photo © Matt Potensky

Photo © Matt Potensky

Photo © Matt Potensky

previous arrow
next arrow

The shark species "Graceful catshark"

Photo
Unfortunately, there is not yet a photo of this shark in the database
Unfortunately, there is not yet a photo of this shark in the database
Range Map
North America South America Africa Australia Europe Asia Coming soon Coming soon
North America South America Africa Australia Europe Asia Coming soon Coming soon
Graceful catshark

Rough area of distribution

Taxonomy
Kingdom:
Animals (Animalia)
Phylum:
Vertebrates (Chordata)
Class:
Cartilagenous fishes (Chondrichthyes)
Order:
Ground sharks (Carcharhiniformes)
Family:
Finback catsharks (Proscylliidae)
Genus:
Proscyllium
Names
Scientific:
Proscyllium habereri
English:
Graceful catshark
German:
Graziler Katzenhai
French:
Requin chat gracile
Spanish:
Tollo coludo gracil
Appearance
Small. Big eyes with nictitating membranes. Two equal-sized dorsal fins. Origin of first dorsal fin opposite (or slightly behind) the free rear ends of the pectoral fins. (Most true "cat sharks" first dorsal fin origin is opposite to, or close by, the pelvic fins).
Coloration
Small and big brown dots over entire body, inclusive fins. Sometimes with white dots, too. Brownish basic color with white ventral surface. Sometimes found with inconspicuous dark saddles.
Distribution
North-Western Pacific: Java, Vietnam, China, Korea, Riu-Kiu Islands, Japan.
Biology
Little-known species. Lives close to the bottom over the continental shelf down to a depth of 50 m to 100 m.
Diet
Small fishes, crabs.
Size
Average size between 40 cm to 50 cm, total maximum length about 65 cm.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg laying). Males reach sexual maturity at about 45 cm, females at about 50 cm.
Similar Species
Some species with similar appearance and taxonomic features have to be used to clearly distinguish between them.
Vulnerability
Category: Vulnerable (VU)
Criteria: A2d
Last evaluated: 2020
Trend: Decreasing




© IUCN Red List 2024. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Version 2024-2.

Danger to Humans
Harmless.

Support the Shark Foundation in its work to protect sharks.