tiger tiger species belonging family found sandy areas near reef south_africa close shore usually deeper reaching length small slim shark broad flattened head snout tip additionally identified dorsal colour pattern dark brown yellowish brown background dwelling inactive tiger feeds wide variety fishes invertebrates near sea floor species female retains eggs internally embryos advanced state development resulting relatively short hatching time laying eggs produced time female tiger caught incidentally commercial recreational economic value listed pending information taxonomy british described tiger issue scientific journal based specimens presented placed species genus synonym gave specific epithet type specimens reportedly collected coast south_africa suspicion actually came bay later authors reassigned species genus lined treated tiger described separate species description body tiger slim firm grows long head broad flattened distinct snout tip horizontally oval eyes situated high head protected rudimentary membranes beneath eye broad ridge medium sized nostrils divided lobe like flaps skin anterior nasal flaps reach large mouth forms wide arch bears short furrows corners mouth closed centre lower jaw falls short upper leaving upper teeth exposed teeth small rarely central longest pairs gill slits placed higher level mouth face somewhat upwards pectoral fins fairly large rounded origin dorsal fin lies pelvic fin bases origin larger second dorsal fin lies rear anal fin adult males moderately long tapering individuals shaped anal fin roughly equal size pelvic fins smaller longer based second dorsal fin short caudal fin indistinct lower lobe ventral notch near tip upper lobe skin thick dermal denticles pointed crowns widely spaced compared species genus coloured yellowish brown cream shark characteristic series dorsal head tail saddle dark brown darker edge lighter middle unlike similar lined spots additional markings distribution habitat tiger endemic southern africa limits distribution known known occur western south_africa easterly records uncertain confusion lined common dwelling continental shelf shark sandy flats edges reefs usually found shore depth sharks eastern range tend occur deeper water west species records deep single dubious record continental slope size adults found farther shore biology ecology tiger sluggish predator diverse array benthic organisms diet dominated bony fishes crustaceans includes cephalopods worms smaller sharks fish observed spawning grounds squid feeding squid descended mate deposit eggs documented predators species include shark ragged tooth shark reproduction tiger females produce typically eggs time eggs contained tough long capsule thick corners allow secured sea floor female retains eggs internally embryos substantially developed measuring long eggs hatch months laid reducing time exposed predators males females begin reach sexual maturity lengths respectively human interactions harmless humans tiger caught incidentally recreational rarely squid edible valued catch usually discarded presently lacks sufficient data assess conservation status
Tiger catshark