Ctenacis fehlmanni (Springer, 1968)
Harlequin catshark
Ctenacis fehlmanni
photo by FAO

Family:  Proscylliidae (Finback catsharks)
Max. size:  52 cm TL (female)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 70 - 170 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: off Somalia.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Inhabits the outer continental shelf (Ref. 30573). Known only from the holotype. The presence of a very thin-walled, large egg-case in each uterus of the holotype suggests that the species may be ovoviviparous, and presumably have had two young in a litter (Ref. 244). Experts classify this species as oviparous (Ref. 50449). Its large mouth, small teeth, and large pharynx with gillraker papillae might allow it to feed on very small invertebrates, according to S. Springer.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 February 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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