The Leopard Catshark, scientifically known as Poroderma pantherinum, is a species of catshark found in the waters surrounding southern Africa. This fascinating shark, distinguished by its unique spotted pattern, is a relatively small species, inhabiting both shallow coastal areas and deeper waters.
Description & Characteristics
The Leopard Catshark, Poroderma pantherinum, is characterized by its distinctive spotted coloration, which resembles a leopard’s coat. It has a slender, elongated body and a flattened head with a short snout. The dorsal fins are positioned far back on the body, with the first dorsal fin being much larger than the second. The pectoral fins are relatively large, while the pelvic fins are smaller. This species can reach a maximum size of 84.0 centimeters.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Leopard Catshark, Poroderma pantherinum, exhibits a wide depth range, occurring from the surface down to 256.0 meters. This species is found in the temperate waters of the southeastern Atlantic Ocean, specifically along the coasts of South Africa and Namibia. It is a common inhabitant of rocky reefs, kelp forests, and sandy bottoms, making it a prevalent presence in these marine ecosystems.
Taxonomy
The Leopard Catshark, Poroderma pantherinum, belongs to the family Scyliorhinidae, commonly known as catsharks. This family falls under the order Carcharhiniformes, which includes a large number of sharks, and the class Elasmobranchii, which encompasses all sharks, rays, and skates.
Feeding
The Leopard Catshark, Poroderma pantherinum, is a carnivorous predator that feeds primarily on crustaceans and cephalopods like Sepia. It hunts by using its keen sense of smell to locate prey in the complex marine environment.
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