Cephaloscyllium laticeps, also known as the Whitespotted catshark, is a species of catshark in the family Scyliorhinidae. It is a common inhabitant of the coastal waters of the western Pacific Ocean.
Description & Characteristics
Cephaloscyllium laticeps has a stout body with a broad, flattened head. The snout is short and rounded. The eyes are large and oval-shaped. The mouth is relatively small and located on the underside of the head. The teeth are small and pointed. The dorsal fins are small and located near the tail. The anal fin is also small and located near the vent. The caudal fin is crescent-shaped and has a distinct lower lobe. The body is covered in small, white spots, which are more numerous on the dorsal surface than the ventral surface. This species can grow to a maximum size of 150.0 cm.
Habitat and Occurrence
Cephaloscyllium laticeps inhabits the coastal waters of the western Pacific Ocean, from Japan to Taiwan and the Philippines. It is a demersal shark, which means it lives on or near the bottom of the seafloor. This species can be found in a variety of habitats, including rocky reefs, sandy bottoms, and muddy bottoms. It is typically found at depths of 1.0 to 220.0 meters. This depth range places the Cephaloscyllium laticeps within the epipelagic and mesopelagic zones, indicating its adaptability to various marine environments.
Taxonomy
Cephaloscyllium laticeps belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, Order: Carcharhiniformes, and Family: Scyliorhinidae. This classification places it among the cartilaginous fishes, a group known for its skeletons made of cartilage rather than bone. The Order Carcharhiniformes includes a vast array of sharks, while the Family Scyliorhinidae, commonly known as catsharks, encompasses a diverse group of sharks characterized by their slender bodies and often spotted or patterned skin.
Feeding
Cephaloscyllium laticeps is a nocturnal predator that feeds primarily on small fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. It uses its sharp teeth to capture and subdue its prey. It is also known to scavenge for food, consuming dead or decaying animals.
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