Tiger Catshark: Halaelurus natalensis

Family: Pentanchidae

Common name(s)

Tiger Catshark.

Binomial

Halaelurus natalensis.

Synonyms

Scyllium natalense.

Identification

Slender body. Head broad. Snout dorsally compressed with upturned tip. Eyes/brows raised slightly above head. Mouth width greater than snout length. Labial furrows short. First dorsal origin over pelvic fin insertion. Second dorsal fin origin anterior to anal fin insertion. Pectoral fins broad. Anal fin fairly long. Lower caudal lobe weakly defined. Dorsal coloration uniformly cream/tan with ten dark saddles but no spots. Saddles have white/pale borders and reddish brown centres. Second saddle (behind eyes) is not joined at the top.

Size

Maximum length at least 50cm. Size at birth unknown.

Conservation Status

VULNERABLE

Although not directly targeted, the Tiger Catshark (Halaelurus natalensis) occurs over open sand in areas of intensive trawl fisheries. It is estimated that Tiger Catshark populations have been reduced by 30–49% over the last 45 years.

Habitat

A temperate water species inhabiting rocky and sandy substrates on the continental shelf. From shallow bays to at least 114m. Usually shallow. Stays close to the seafloor.

Distribution

The tiger catshark is confined to southeast coast of Africa. Found from False Bay eastwards to Southern Mozambique.

Reproduction

Oviparous. 6-11 egg cases per oviduct. Egg case size approximately 4cm x 1.5cm.

Diet

The tiger catshark feeds on small bony fishes, crustaceans, polychaete worms, cephalopods and small elasmobranchs.

Behavior

Poorly known. Rarely seen in kelp forests in False Bay, unlike other catshark species. Probably prefers open ground.

Reaction to divers

Rarely encountered by divers. Probably shy in un-baited situations. Fairly easy to approach on baited dives.

Diving logistics

Tiger Catsharks are occasionally seen by local divers in False Bay and at a few dive sites further east in southern South Africa. Very rarely seen on baited catshark dives in the kelp forest.

Baiting on open ground in False Bay is a good way to see this species but even then, sightings are hit and miss.

PLEASE NOTE: There are inherent risks in using bait to attract sharks on open ground (outside of the kelp forest) in white shark territory.