Pentanchus profundicolus Smith & Radcliffe, 1912
Onefin catshark
Pentanchus profundicolus
photo by FAO

Family:  Pentanchidae (Deepwater catsharks)
Max. size:  51 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 673 - 1069 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: known from the holotype and only specimen taken from the Mindanao Sea, Philippines. Upon comparing, the holotypes of Apristurus herklotsi and this species are conspecific, thus, suggesting that Pentanchus is a senior synonym of Apristurus. But due to lack of verifiable specimens, herklotsi is tentatively retained in Apristurus.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0. Only shark with 5 pairs of gill slits and one dorsal fin (Ref. 244). Head broadly flattened and spatulate, snout elongated and usually longer than mouth width. Labial furrows very long, uppers reaching upper symphysis (Ref. 244). No color pattern, uniformly dark brown (Ref. 244). Caudal fin with a distinct subterminal notch.
Biology:  A poorly known deep-water bottom-dwelling shark inhabiting insular slopes (Ref. 11146). Possibly oviparous (Ref. 50449).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 22 November 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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