What is pale catshark?

The pale catshark (Poroderma pantherinum) is a small shark species belonging to the family Scyliorhinidae. It is commonly found in the western Indian Ocean, particularly along the coast of South Africa, and is also known by names such as the leopard spotted catshark or the white-spotted catshark.

The pale catshark is a relatively small shark, typically growing up to 50-60 cm in length. Its body is slender and slightly flattened, with a narrow head and large greenish-yellow eyes. It has a distinctive pattern of black leopard-like spots over a pale yellow or white background, which helps it to camouflage and blend in with its sandy habitat.

Pale catsharks are mostly nocturnal, and feed on small fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. They are oviparous, laying small egg cases with one embryo inside. The female shark can lay up to four eggs at a time, which hatch after about 9-12 months.

Due to its small size and lack of commercial value, the pale catshark is not targeted by fisheries and is considered to be of least concern for conservation. However, like many other shark species, it faces threats from habitat destruction and overfishing of its prey species.