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Black roughscale catshark

9/19/2016

 
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The next shark in our line up belongs in the Scyliorhinidae (catshark) family, and is aptly named for its total black color. The black roughscale catshark (Apristurus melanoasper) is a rather small (reaching a max length of 0.76 m/2.5 ft) deep-watered shark. They are usually found anywhere from 512-1,520 m (1,680-4,987 ft).
Mainly found in the northwest Atlantic Ocean near the continental shelf. They’ve been observed off of France, Ireland and the British Isles- vacation time, anyone? These sharks have also been seen in the northern parts of the USA.

Not much else is known about these sharks- in fact, they’re even uncommon as bycatch! They are probably oviparous, but again, we can’t say anything with certainty. As for food, they probably eat something along the lines of small fish, crustaceans, and molluscs. No sharks have had their stomach contents dissected, however, and this is just an assumption.
​

The IUCN has assessed the black roughscale catshark as Data Deficient (DD
). However, it gives scientists the opportunity to learn more about this mysterious little creature!

ever heard of this shark?

glossary

  • Benthic zone: The bottom of an ocean or lake.
  • Bycatch: The part of a fishery’s catch that is made up of non-target species. 
  • Commercial fishery: The activity of catching fish and other seafood for profit.
  • Continental slope: The steep slope from a continental shelf to the ocean floor; usually around 20 km (12.4 miles) wide and made up of mud and silt substrate. ​​
  • Crustaceans: Group of animals with a hard exoskeleton, jointed legs and segmented body.
  • Dorsal side: The top of an animal.
  • Invertebrates: Animals with no backbone (i.e. crustaceans, jellyfish, corals, sea anemones).
  • IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature.
  • Oviparity/oviparous: Where adult Chondrichthyans lay eggcases (also known as ‘mermaid’s purses) and the baby develops inside the egg before hatching.
  • Recreational fishery: Also called sport fishing, it is fishing for pleasure or competition.

say hello!​

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    Author

    TFUI Founder Melissa C. Marquez is author of all animal bios and "Behind the Fins" segments.
    ​
    A proud #LatinainSTEM, Marquez is a marine biologist who focuses on shark habitat use and movements; she is also a science communicator (follow her on Twitter) who focuses on diverse Chondrichthyan education and who focuses on the media coverage of sharks.
    You can learn more about her on her website.

    SEE MELISSA'S TEDx TALK HERE:
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  • About TFUI
    • TFUI Origins >
      • About TFUI Founder Melissa
      • TFUI Officers
    • Take a Bite
    • Get Involved
    • FAQ
  • Bite Blog
  • Education
    • The Sharks >
      • Shark Anatomy
    • The Skates & Rays
    • The Chimaeras
    • Why Environments Matter
    • The Threats
    • Open Access >
      • Behind the Fins: Interview series
      • Bite into Research
      • Shark Bites: Book Recommendations
      • Sustainable Seafood Apps
  • Fins United
    • Shark Party Ideas
    • Little Fins Nursery
    • Big Fins Reef
  • Contact