Coral Catshark

Atelomycterus marmoratus

Habitat & Distribution :  Reef-associated, Indo-West Pacific Ocean

Diet : Bony fish and small benthic invertebrates

Size: Up to 70 cm

Lifespan: Up to 20 years

Description

The coral catshark, has a long, slender body, much like a cat. It has an abundance of black and white spots that sometimes blur into dashes on its back, sides and fins, helping it blend into its surrounding environment. Its belly or underside is white. It has a short tail and a short and narrow head.

Behavior

Crepuscular and nocturnal, this shark is often reclusive, liking to hide and rest in holes or reef crevices during the day. Once dusk and night fall, it actively forages for its favorite food, small bony fish and various benthic invertebrates. Its camouflaged body enables it to stalk and ambush prey quickly with high precision!

Considered a reef or bottom-dwelling shark, it prefers sticking close to the ocean floor rather than swimming freely in the water column.

Reproduction

The coral catshark is oviparous, meaning that it lays eggs. Females lay two eggs every time, encased in leathery purse-shaped cases. The young will hatch within 4 - 6 months.

Mating occurs once the sharks have reached sexual maturity, which is around the length of 49 - 57 cm for females and 47 - 62 cm for males.

Communication & Perception

The shark relies on its strong sense of smell, its electroreceptor/ability to sense electric fields, and its keen vision to hunt and navigate in the night! It even has night vision to see in the dark!

This is made possible by the tapetum lucidum, a layer of crystals in the back of its retina that also gives it that "glow in the dark" effect! When asleep, this eye is layered by a semi-transparent third layer (nictitating membrane), protecting and moisturizing the eyes, making them look cloudy.

Predator

Bigger sharks or marine mammals.

Conservation Status : Near Threatened (IUCN Red List; 2024)