species belonging family small slim bodied shark reaching length distinctive color pattern narrow dark brown vertical bars resemble head short flattened pointed snout tip little known natural history known specimens caught southwestern india eastern inhabiting offshore waters continental shelf depths dwelling predator exhibits mode reproduction record female containing eggs enclosed brown bearing long corners presently lacks sufficient data assess conservation status species economically valued taken taxonomy specimen long adult male collected steamer investigator depth described british naturalist descriptive catalogue indian deep sea fishes published assigned new species genus synonym named similar color patterns later authors moved species genus specimens recorded addition type specimen males eastern coast research ship individuals male female found contents commercial fishing conducted india male specimen reported later identified description slender firm bodied short flattened head pointed snout slightly protruding tip snout like species anterior nostrils bear triangular flaps skin small horizontally oval eyes placed high head rudimentary membranes eyes thick ridges tiny large mouth curved upper teeth exposed closed short furrows corners mouth jaws contain upper lower tooth rows addition tooth rows upper jaw row lower teeth pairs gill slits placed higher level mouth fifth pair smaller rest moderately large rounded pectoral fins positioned fairly close pelvic fins adult males thin tapering covered outer near tip dorsal fin placed pelvic fin bases larger second dorsal fin placed anal fin anal fin larger second dorsal fin comparable size pelvic fins caudal fin small lower lobe large upper lobe notch trailing margin thick skin covered dermal denticles shaped crowns central ridge posterior teeth shark striking dorsal color pattern consisting narrow dark brown vertical bars light brown background bars run head tail extend dorsal fins underside white pectoral pelvic anal fins pale trailing margins largest known specimen long distribution habitat known specimens collected southwestern india indian_ocean indian sharks caught depths possibly sharks caught depths dwelling species found far shore continental shelf biology ecology diet consists deep living reproduction like members genus female indian specimens eggs divided evenly eggs enclosed brown purse shaped measuring length long corners smallest known specimen long probably close size hatching males reach sexual maturity long female maturation size unknown human interactions harmless utilized humans caught incidentally fisheries potentially gear fishing activity intense indian waters specific data species lacking listed
Quagga catshark