Apristurus spongiceps (Gilbert, 1905)
Spongehead catshark
Apristurus spongiceps
photo by FAO

Family:  Pentanchidae (Deepwater catsharks)
Max. size:  50 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 572 - 1482 m
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Banda Sea off southern Sulawesi and the Hawaiian Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0. Dark brown, without conspicuous markings on fins (Ref. 244).
Biology:  A rare shark known only from two specimens taken on the insular slopes, on or near the bottom (Ref. 244). Benthic (Ref. 58302). Oviparous (Ref. 50449).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 19 March 2014 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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