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 "Ghost 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
Ghost catshark

Rough area of distribution

Taxonomy
Kingdom:
Animals (Animalia)
Phylum:
Vertebrates (Chordata)
Class:
Cartilagenous fishes (Chondrichthyes)
Order:
Ground sharks (Carcharhiniformes)
Family:
Deepwater catsharks (Pentanchidae)
Genus:
Apristurus
Names
Scientific:
Apristurus manis
English:
Ghost catshark
German:
Geisterkatzenhai
French:
Holbiche fantome
Spanish:
Pejegato fantasma
Appearance
Relatively stout body, with trunk tapering strongly toward the head. Long snout, relatively narrow and bell-shaped (preoral snout about 9 to 11 % of total body length). Gill slits moderately large but smaller than eye diameter. Fairly broad nostrils (incurrent and excurrent apertures very large and circular). First dorsal fin slightly smaller than second one. Origin of first dorsal fin over or slightly anterior to pelvic fin midbases. Insertion of second dorsal fin opposite anal fin insertion. Pectoral fins small. Pelvic fins high and broadly rounded. Anal fin short, high and angular (about three times as long as high).
Coloration
Grey to blackish. Young have white tips on pectoral and dorsal fins that may be present in some adults.
Distribution
Western North Atlantic: Off Massachusetts. Eastern North Atlantic: Porcupine Bank (west of Ireland).
Biology
A little-known, possibly bottom dwelling shark found over the continental slope from 650 down to 1750 m.
Diet
Unknown.
Size
Maximum size at least about 85 cm.
Reproduction
Unknown, but most likely oviparous (egg laying).
Similar Species
Body and head shape are distinctive.
Vulnerability
Category: Least Concern (LC)
Criteria: -
Last evaluated: 2019
Trend: Stable




© 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.