Scyliorhinus capensis (Müller & Henle, 1838)
Yellowspotted catshark
Scyliorhinus capensis
photo by Le Noury, P.

Family:  Scyliorhinidae (Cat sharks), subfamily: Scyliorhininae
Max. size:  122 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 26 - 495 m
Distribution:  Southeast Atlantic: Lüderitz, Namibia to central Natal, South Africa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0. Bright yellow or golden spots on a dark grey body with irregular blotches and saddles (Ref. 5578), cream below (Ref. 5510); 2nd dorsal much smaller than 1st (Ref. 5578). Small anterior nasal flaps that do not reach mouth, no nasoral grooves (Ref. 244).
Biology:  A common inshore to offshore catshark. Prefers to feed on small bony fishes and crustaceans, also cephalopods (Ref. 244). Oviparous (Ref. 50449).
IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT); Date assessed: 01 August 2019 (A2bd) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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