Haploblepharus edwardsii (Schinz, 1822)
Puffadder shyshark
Haploblepharus edwardsii
photo by Zsilavecz, G.

Family:  Pentanchidae (Deepwater catsharks)
Max. size:  59 cm TL (male/unsexed); 60 cm TL (female)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 130 m
Distribution:  Southeast Atlantic: Cape Agulhas to Natal in South Africa. There are two different forms of this species, the 'Cape' and 'Natal' types, which differ in coloration and habitat and might be geographic variants or two distinct species (Ref. 6782).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0. Southeastern Cape form: sandy brown with 7 reddish-brown saddles bordered by black, and numerous small, dark brown and white spots between saddles; white below (Ref. 5578). Natal form: body cream in color with darker brown saddles and irregular white spots; white below (Ref. 5578).
Biology:  Found in inshore and offshore waters of the continental shelf, on sandy and rocky bottoms (Ref. 244). Feeds on bony fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods (Ref. 244). Oviparous (Ref. 50449). Caught by surf anglers (Ref. 244).
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 01 August 2019 (A2bcd) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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