Parascyllium
Parascyllium is a genus of catsharks in the family Pentanchidae. They are commonly known as sleeper sharks due to their sluggish nature and tendency to rest on the seabed. These sharks are found in the Indo-Pacific region and have a distinctive, slender body shape.
Characteristics
Members of the genus Parascyllium typically have a long, slender body with a pointed snout. Their dorsal fins are positioned far back on the body, and their pectoral fins are relatively small. They have five gill slits and a large, rounded mouth. Their coloration can vary depending on the species, but most have a mottled or spotted pattern on their skin.
Habitat and Distribution
Sleeper sharks are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and the coast of East Africa to Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. They inhabit a variety of marine environments, including coral reefs, rocky shores, and sandy bottoms. They are typically found at depths ranging from 10 to 500 meters.
Diet
Parascyllium species are primarily nocturnal predators. Their diet consists mainly of crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. They use their sharp teeth to capture and crush their prey.
Reproduction
Sleeper sharks are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. The eggs are enclosed in a tough, leathery case that is often attached to rocks or other objects on the seabed. The young sharks hatch fully developed and independent.
Conservation Status
The conservation status of Parascyllium species varies depending on the specific species. Some are listed as Least Concern, while others are considered Data Deficient or Near Threatened. The main threats to these sharks include overfishing, habitat degradation, and bycatch.
Species
The genus Parascyllium comprises six recognized species:
- Parascyllium colcloughi
- Parascyllium ferrugineum
- Parascyllium investigatoris
- Parascyllium leucorhynchum
- Parascyllium multimaculatum
- Parascyllium variolatum