Bulldog catshark explained

The bulldog catshark (Apristurus pinguis) is a catshark of the family Scyliorhinidae, found in the deep waters of the East China Sea and in the Northwest Pacific.^[1] In New Zealand waters it is found at the Reinga Ridge, the West Norfolk Ridge, the Hikurangi Trough and the Chatham Rise as well as on the Campbell Plateau.^[2]

Description

The overall colouration of this species is brown or a brownish shade with its palate and tongue being dark. Its length is up to 83.5 cm.

Conservation status

The New Zealand Department of Conservation has classified the flaccid catshark as "Data deficient" under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Apristurus pinguis Deng, Xiong & Zhan, 1983. FishBase. en. 2019-01-16.
2. Book: Roberts, Clive. The fishes of New Zealand. Stewart. A. L.. Struthers. Carl D.. Barker. Jeremy. Kortet. Salme. Freeborn. Michelle. Te Papa Press. 2015. 9780994104168. 2. Wellington, New Zealand. 83. 908128805.
3. Book: Duffy, Clinton A. J.. Conservation status of New Zealand chondrichthyans (chimaeras, sharks and rays), 2016. Francis. Malcolm. Dunn. M. R.. Finucci. Brit. Ford. Richard. Hitchmough. Rod. Rolfe. Jeremy. Department of Conservation. 2016. 9781988514628. Wellington, New Zealand. 9. 1042901090.