Atelomycterus marmoratus (Anonymous [Bennett], 1830)
Coral catshark
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Atelomycteridae (Coloured catsharks)
Max. size:  70 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Pakistan and India to Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, New Guinea, Thailand, Viet Nam, the Philippines, southern China; north to Japan.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0. Saddle markings obsolete, light grey and white spots outlined by large black spots, bars and lines (Ref. 11146).
Biology:  A common but little-known inshore shark found on coral reefs and though to inhabit crevices and holes on reefs (Ref. 11146). Oviparous (Ref. 50449). Caught occasionally by various fisheries operating over coral reefs and probably adversely affected by dynamite fishing (Ref.58048). Utilized fresh and dried-salted for food or processed for fishmeal and oil (Ref. 244).
IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT); Date assessed: 14 May 2020 (A2cd) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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