Lollipop Catshark

The lollipop catshark is a deep sea Catshark, recognizable from its tadpole-like appearance.

Lollipop Catshark Scientific Classification

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Chondrichthyes
Order Carcharhiniformes
Family Scyliorhinidae
Genus Cephalurus
Scientific Name C. cephalus

Description

This shark has a huge head that makes up a 3rd of the shark’s total body length and a cylinder-shaped, almost gelatinous body that tapers off towards its tail. Five gill slits are arched forward.

Inside the shark’s mouth, one can see that the teeth in the upper jaw are straight and those in the lower jaw are curved. There are papillae covering the tongue and roof of the mouth.

They are a pale brownish-grey, with white patches around the dorsal, pectoral, pelvic fins and iridescent green eyes.

Where do they live

Map Of The Lollipop Catshark’s Habitat

Lollipop Catshark Habitat Map

Their range is tiny, from the Gulf of California to southern Baja California. Lollipop sharks live at depths of 509–3,074 ft, encompassing the areas around the outer continental shelf and the upper continental slope.

Behavior

Feeding

Lollipop sharks mainly feed on crustaceans but will also consume fish on occasion.

Reproductive

Female sharks give birth during the early summer months. Initially, the sharks are 3.9 inches long and become sexually mature at 7.5-9.4 inches.

Adaptations

Due to their large gills, they can survive in the ocean’s depths with low dissolved oxygen levels.

Interactions with humans

This shark has no fishery significance and is considered “Least Concern” or “LC” by the IUCN.

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