The Campeche catshark is a ground shark found in the Gulf of Mexico. It gets its name after the first captured specimen, which was found in the Bay of Campeche. World-renowned ichthyologist Stewart Springer first described this species in 1979.
Campeche Catshark Scientific Classification |
|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Chondrichthyes |
| Order | Carcharhiniformes |
| Family | Scyliorhinidae |
| Genus | Parmaturus |
| Scientific Name | P. campechiensis |
Description
Only one specimen of this shark has been recorded – an immature female about 6.2 inches long. It has a soft and floppy body with a short snout. Flaps of skin cover the nostrils, there are ridges under the eyes, and a series of saw-like dermal denticles exist along the shark’s tail.
Campeche catsharks have two dorsal fins, the second more prominent than the first. The anal fin is as big as the second dorsal fin and is in front of it on the ventral region of the shark’s body.
It has an overall grey coloration, with a dusky abdomen, fin webs, and gills.
Where do they live
Map Of The Campeche Catshark’s Habitat
As so far only a single specimen has been obtained, the distribution of this shark remains unknown. The shark captured was at the Bay of Campeche in the Gulf of Mexico, between 21°N and 18°N.
It was caught at a depth of 3599 ft and is considered a bathydemersal species, i.e., a species that lives below depths of 650 ft.
Behavior
Feeding
While not confirmed, one can assume that they are bottom-feeders.
Reproductive
They are oviparous, i.e., they give birth by laying eggs. The eggs are laid in pairs.
Interactions with humans
The IUCN lists the Campeche catshark as “Least Concern” or “LC”.
