Coral Cat Shark Fact Sheet

Appearance:
Very slender body, typical appearance of a 'cat shark.' Origin of first dorsal fin over midbase of pelvic fins. Second dorsal fin much larger than anal fin.

Coloration:
Very unique coloration. Brownish, with dark pattern and white spots. Ventral surface white.

Distribution:
Indo-Western Pacific: Pakistan, India to Malaysia. Singapore, Indonesia, New Guinea. Thailand. Vietnam. Philippines. Southern China to Taiwan.

Biology:
A little-known, abundant species. Lives in shallow shore areas, prefers corals with crevices.

Feeding:
Invertebrates.

Size:
Average size between 40cm and 50cm, maximum total length about 70cm.

Reproduction:
Oviparous (egg laying). Males and females reach sexual maturity at about 50cm.

Similar species:
Although this species has a distinctive coloration, some other species of this family have a very similar apperance and taxonomic features have to be used to clearly distinguish.

Endangerment:
Unknown.

Danger to humans:
Harmless.