How to Identify Whitefin Swellshark

To identify Whitefin Swellshark (Cephaloscyllium albipinnum), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

The body is generally light brown to greyish-brown, often with indistinct darker saddles or blotches. The most distinguishing feature is the prominent white to pale margins on all fins, including the dorsal, pectoral, pelvic, and caudal fins. The underside is typically paler.

Scale type

placoid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Ability to inflate its body with water or air when threatened., Prominent white margins on all fins., Relatively large, broad head., Small, widely spaced teeth.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins, both relatively small and set far back on the body. The first dorsal fin originates over or slightly behind the pelvic fin origins. The second dorsal fin is similar in size to the first.

Tail fin

Caudal fin is relatively short and deep, with a distinct subterminal notch and a well-developed ventral lobe. The white margin is clearly visible.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are moderately large and rounded, with distinct white margins.

Distinctive fins

All fins, including the pelvic fins, possess clear white to pale margins, a key diagnostic feature.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Fin Margins

   Look for the distinct white or pale margins on all fins (dorsal, pectoral, pelvic, and caudal). This is the most reliable distinguishing feature.

2. 2

   Body Inflation

   If observed in a stressed state, its ability to inflate its body is characteristic of the genus Cephaloscyllium.

3. 3

   Coloration

   Note the overall light brown to greyish-brown body color, which may have faint darker blotches or saddles.

4. 4

   Head Shape

   Observe the relatively broad and somewhat flattened head.

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