Parmaturus bigus Séret & Last, 2007
Beige catshark
photo by Séret, B./Last, P.R.

Family:  Pentanchidae (Deepwater catsharks)
Max. size:  71 cm TL (female)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range - 606 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Australia.
Diagnosis:  This scyliorhinid catshark is characterized by the following: a soft body with velvety skin, with small tricuspidate denticles; plain pale yellowish brown coloration; fins yellowish brown with slightly paler edges; dorsal caudal crest well-developed, ventral crest distinct but weak, denticles enlarged on crest; teeth mainly tricuspidate, 120 rows in upper jaw; first dorsal fin slightly behind mid-length, pre-first dorsal length 54.9% TL; pelvic fins slightly forward of mid-length, pre-pelvic length 48.9% TL; vent at middle of body, pre-vent length 50.8% TL; relatively short snout, prenarial length 4.2% TL; short mouth, length 3.6% TL; short labial furrows, lower furrow longer than upper one, 1.7% and 1.2% TL respectively; head is not depressed, the height subequal to its width, with length shorter than abdomen, 19.8% TL; pectoral-pelvic length 25.4% TL; second dorsal fin larger than first, anterior margins of first 5.2% and second 9.3% TL; subterminal caudal lobe relatively small, with subterminal margin length 3.8% TL, terminal margin length 3.6% TL; 47 monospondylous centra; 102 precaudal centra, 144 total centra (Ref. 74543).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 27 April 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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