Harlequin catshark
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| Ctenacis fehlmanni (Springer, 1968) |
The harlequin catshark, Ctenacis fehlmanni, is a finback catshark of the family Proscylliidae, the only member of the genus Ctenacis, found in the western Indian Ocean off Somalia at depths of between 70 and 170 m. Only the 46 cm holotype exists.
The harlequin catshark inhabits the outer continental shelf. 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. Experts classify this species as oviparous. Its large mouth, small teeth, and large pharynx with gillraker papillae might allow it to feed on very small invertebrates, according to S. Springer.
[edit] References
- "Ctenacis fehlmanni". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. May 2006 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2006.
