Apristurus microps (Gilchrist, 1922)
Smalleye catshark
photo by FAO

Family:  Pentanchidae (Deepwater catsharks)
Max. size:  61 cm TL (male/unsexed); 43.2 cm TL (female)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 1000 - 2200 m
Distribution:  Southeast Atlantic: off the Orange River to Cape Agulhas, South Africa. Elsewhere known from the North Atlantic.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0. A stout, plain catshark with small eyes, a long thick and broad snout, and long labial furrows; mouth projecting well in front of eyes; pectoral fins very short (Ref. 5578). Uniformly black or dark to medium brown or grey; no markings (Ref. 5578).
Biology:  Found on the continental slope, on or near the bottom (Ref. 244). Feeds on small bony fish, shrimp, squid, and possibly other sharks (Ref. 5578). Oviparous (Ref. 50449).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 25 April 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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