Velvet dogfish explained

The velvet dogfish (Zameus squamulosus), the only member of the genus Zameus, is a small sleeper shark of the family Somniosidae, found around the world between latitudes 64°N and 48°S, from the surface to 2,000 m.

Description

Its length is up to 84 cm.^[1] Although sharks within the family Somniosidae have generally been accepted to be non-luminous, Zameus squamulosus has photophores on its ventral epidermis.^[2]

Reproduction

Its reproduction is ovoviviparous.

Conservation

In June 2018 the New Zealand Department of Conservation classified the velvet dogfish as "Data Deficient" with the qualifier "Uncertain whether Secure Overseas" under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.^[3]

Notes and References

1. White, W.T., Vaz, D.F.B., Ho, H.-C., Ebert, D.A., Carvalho, M.R.d., Corrigan, S., Rochel, E., Carvalho, M.d., Tanaka, S. & Naylor, G.J.P. (2014): Redescription of Scymnodon ichiharai Yano and Tanaka 1984 (Squaliformes: Somniosidae) from the western North Pacific, with comments on the definition of somniosid genera. Ichthyological Research, 62 (2): 213-229.
2. Straube. N.. Chenhong. L.. Claes. J.M.. Corrigan. S.. Naylor. G.J.P.. 2015. Molecular phylogeny of squaliforms and first occurrence of bioluminescence in sharks. Evolutionary Biology. 15. 1 . 162. 10.1186/s12862-015-0446-6. 26277575. 4537554 . free . 2015BMCEE..15..162S .
3. Book: Conservation status of New Zealand chondrichthyans (chimaeras, sharks and rays), 2016. Duffy. Clinton A. J.. Francis. Malcolm. Dunn. M. R.. Finucci. Brit. Ford. Richard. Hitchmough. Rod. Rolfe. Jeremy. Department of Conservation. 2018. 9781988514628. Wellington, New Zealand. 11. 1042901090.