Schroederichthys saurisqualus Soto, 2001
Lizard catshark
photo by Bornatowski, H.

Family:  Atelomycteridae (Coloured catsharks)
Max. size:  58.2 cm TL (male/unsexed); 69.2 cm TL (female)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 122 - 435 m
Distribution:  Southwest Atlantic: southern Brazil.
Diagnosis:  Diagnosis: This species is differs from S. tenuis in size at maturity, males 57.8 cm (vs. 42.8) and females 69.2 cm (vs. 37); maximum total length , males 58.8 cm (vs. 46.8) and females 69.2 cm (vs. 42.6); color pattern presence of white spots (vs. none); in having longer interdorsal space, 20.7-22.3% (vs. 17.2-20.6%); longer pelvic-anal space 19.2-20.8% (vs. 14.7-19.4%); dermal denticles morphology, rounded (vs. pointed); and, greater number of vertebrae, 120-123 (vs. 108-113) (Ref. 56497).
Biology:  Found in deep-reef habitat on the continental slope, generally in depths greater than 250 meters (122-435 m), with deepwater gorgonians, hard corals, tube sponges, crinoids, ophiuroids, and a great number of sympatric scyliorhinid shark Scyliorhinus haeckelii (Ref. 56497). Oviparous (Ref. 50449); with one egg per oviduct laid at a time. Egg capsule grayish olive (fresh) to brownish (fixed), with filamentous superficial texture (Ref. 56497).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 01 July 2019 (A2cd) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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