Haploblepharus pictus (Müller & Henle, 1838)
Dark shyshark
Haploblepharus pictus
photo by Coetzee, C.

Family:  Pentanchidae (Deepwater catsharks)
Max. size:  57 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine
Distribution:  Southeast Atlantic: Namibia to southwestern Cape Province, South Africa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0. A shyshark with dark markings with large light spots without black edges on a yellowish-brown body and on fins; body also with 7 dark brown or blackish dorsal saddles (Ref. 5578).
Biology:  Inhabits the continental shelf, in inshore waters (Ref. 244). Most common in shallow sandy areas (Ref. 244). Feeds on small bottom-dwelling fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods (Ref. 27121). Oviparous (Ref. 50449). Caught by shore anglers (Ref. 5578).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 April 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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