(Proscylliidae)
Finback Catsharks
Смугасті котячі акули
The finback catsharks are a small family, the Proscylliidae, of ground sharks. They can be found in warm seas worldwide and are often the most numerous and common shark in tropical regions. They are generally less than 1 m in length, and are slow-moving predators that feed on bony fish and small invertebrates.
Found primarily along the continental shelves, these species are scattered throughout the world. They have been documented and seen primarily in: Japan, Myanmar, the Philippines, South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Somalia.
Within this family, species are either oviparous or ovoviviparous. Oviparous refers to many benthic sharks that lay their eggs on the seafloor and attach them to a substrate. The eggs have a hard and leathery shell surrounding them to serve as protection. The eggs feed solely on the yolk present within the casing; these egg cases, known as “mermaid’s purses”, are unique in appearance to each species. Other species within this family are ovoviviparous. Ovoviviparous sharks give birth to live young.
(Proscyllium habereri)
Graceful Catshark
Смугаста котяча акула витончена
It is found in the western Pacific Ocean, from southeastern Japan to Vietnam and northwestern Java, at depths of 50–100 m.
(Eridacnis barbouri)
Cuban Ribbontail Catshark
Смугаста котяча акула кубинська
It is found off the coast of Cuba and Florida, at depths of 430–613 m.
(Eridacnis radcliffei)
Pygmy Ribbontail Catshark
Смугаста котяча акула карликова
It has been reported from Tanzania, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Mannar, the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Islands, Vietnam, and the Philippine, at depths of 71–766 m.
(Eridacnis sinuans)
African Ribbontail Catshark
Смугаста котяча акула африканська
It is found in the western Indian Ocean, from Tanzania, South Africa, and Mozambique, at depths of 180–480 m.
(Ctenacis fehlmanni)
Harlequin Catshark
Акула-арлекін сомалійська
It is found in the western Indian Ocean off the coast of Somalia, at depths of 70–170 m.
(Ctenacis magnificum)
Magnificent Catshark
Смугаста котяча акула чудова
It was collected in the Andaman Sea off Myanmar.
