Saddled swellshark
| Saddled swellshark | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Chondrichthyes |
| Subclass: | Elasmobranchii |
| Subdivision: | Selachimorpha |
| Order: | Carcharhiniformes |
| Family: | Scyliorhinidae |
| Genus: | Cephaloscyllium |
| Species: | C. variegatum
|
| Binomial name | |
| Cephaloscyllium variegatum Last & W. T. White, 2008
| |
The saddled swellshark (Cephaloscyllium variegatum) is a rare
Taxonomy
In 1994,
Description
The saddled swellshark reaches a maximum known length of 74 cm (29 in). It has a moderately stocky body and a short, variably wide, and strongly flattened head. The snout is broadly rounded, with the
The pectoral fins are large and broad, with rounded margins. The first
The saddled swellshark is brownish or grayish in color above, with 11 darker saddles of varying width over the body and tail and usually no blotches on the flanks. Individuals from tropical waters ("sp. B") tend to have more defined saddles, while those from temperate waters ("sp. C") have fainter saddles and a smattering of lighter flecks. The underside is a plain light color, often with a few darker marks. The juveniles are pale with many dark brown spots.[2]
Distribution and habitat
The saddled swellshark is found off the eastern coast of Australia, as far north as
Biology and ecology
Like other members of its genus, the variegated swellshark can inflate itself with water or air as a defensive measure.
Human interactions
The
References
- ^ . Retrieved 11 November 2021.
- ^ ISBN 9780192142412.
- ^ ISBN 0-674-03411-2.