Cephaloscyllium fasciatum Chan, 1966
Reticulated swellshark
photo by FAO

Family:  Scyliorhinidae (Cat sharks), subfamily: Scyliorhininae
Max. size:  42 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 200 - 450 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: East and South China seas (off South Taiwan, China, Philippines, Vietnam).
Diagnosis:  This species is distinguished by the following characters: dorsal sides of body and fins with complex reticulations, with eight open-centered dark brown saddles on body, the first saddle immediately behind eye, second one above gill openings, the third above inner margin of pectoral fin, fourth saddle above middle between pectoral and pelvic finsl dorsal sides of pectoral and pelvic fins with a loop pattern (Ref. 94801).
Biology:  Found in fairly deep water on or near the bottom on the outer continental shelf and uppermost slope (Ref. 244). Minimum depth from Ref. 58018. Can expand itself with air or water (Ref. 244). Oviparous (Ref. 50449). Size at sexual maturity according to literature and specimens studied, for males 36.0 cm and for females less than 42.1 cm with maximum size at least 421 cm TL (Ref. 80388).
IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered (CR); Date assessed: 21 November 2019 (A2d) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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