Parascyllium ferrugineum, commonly known as the Rusty Carpetshark, is a small-sized shark species belonging to the family Parascylliidae. This fascinating creature is a captivating inhabitant of the marine world, displaying unique characteristics and a distinctive distribution pattern.
Description and Characteristics
The Rusty Carpetshark, Parascyllium ferrugineum, is characterized by its relatively small size, with adults reaching a maximum length of 80.0 cm. Its body is slender and elongated, featuring a flattened head with a broad, rounded snout. The eyes are small and located dorsally, while the nostrils are positioned at the anterior edge of the snout. The mouth is small and positioned ventrally, featuring numerous small, pointed teeth.
The species is named for its distinctive color pattern, which is characterized by a rusty-brown to grayish-brown background color with numerous darker brown spots and blotches. The underside of the body is white, and the fins are typically the same color as the body but may have lighter edges. The Rusty Carpetshark exhibits a relatively short, stout body, featuring a wide dorsal fin and a relatively small anal fin.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Rusty Carpetshark, Parascyllium ferrugineum, is primarily found in the waters of the western Pacific Ocean. It prefers depths ranging from 5.0 to 150.0 meters, making it a resident of both the epipelagic and mesopelagic zones. Parascyllium ferrugineum is known to inhabit the waters around Australia, specifically in the states of New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia. The species is also found off the coast of Japan.
Taxonomy
The species Parascyllium ferrugineum belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, Order: Orectolobiformes, and Family: Parascylliidae. It is a member of the shark family known as the “carpet sharks,” which are characterized by their flattened, streamlined bodies and bottom-dwelling habits. The family Parascylliidae comprises a diverse group of sharks that are primarily found in the Indo-Pacific region, known for their distinct colouration and patterns.
Feeding
The Rusty Carpetshark, Parascyllium ferrugineum, is a carnivore and a bottom-dwelling shark that primarily feeds on a diet of invertebrates. Its diet consists mainly of crustaceans, molluscs, and polychaetes. Parascyllium ferrugineum uses its small, sharp teeth to crush and grind its prey, effectively consuming a variety of benthic organisms. This feeding strategy allows it to thrive in its preferred habitat, where it can effectively exploit the diverse food sources available.
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