How to Identify Blackmouth catshark

To identify Blackmouth catshark (Galeus melastomus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsal surface is typically greyish-brown to reddish-brown, marked with 8-10 distinct dark saddle-like blotches and numerous smaller dark spots. The ventral surface is paler, often whitish. The most distinctive feature is the black or dark grey lining of the mouth and gill slits.

Scale type

placoid

Mouth position

subterminal

Distinctive features

Black or dark grey lining of the mouth and gill slits, 8-10 dark saddle-like blotches on the dorsal surface, Numerous small dark spots scattered over the body, Rough skin due to dermal denticles, Two dorsal fins of similar size, located far back on the body, Caudal crest of enlarged dermal denticles along the dorsal margin of the caudal fin

Dorsal fin

Two relatively small dorsal fins, nearly equal in size. The first dorsal fin originates over or slightly behind the pelvic fin origins. The second dorsal fin originates over the anal fin.

Tail fin

Long, low caudal fin with a distinct notch near the tip of the upper lobe. The dorsal margin of the caudal fin has a prominent crest of enlarged, saw-like dermal denticles.

Pectoral fin

Moderately large and rounded.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is long and low, originating beneath the first dorsal fin and extending to just before the caudal fin.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Mouth and Gill Slits

   The most reliable identifying feature is the black or dark grey coloration inside the mouth and gill slits, which is unique among catsharks in its range.

2. 2

   Body Coloration and Markings

   Look for the distinctive pattern of 8-10 dark saddle-like blotches and numerous smaller dark spots on a greyish-brown to reddish-brown background.

3. 3

   Caudal Fin Crest

   Examine the dorsal margin of the caudal fin for a prominent crest of enlarged, saw-like dermal denticles.

4. 4

   Body Shape

   Its slender, elongated body is typical of many deep-water catsharks, but combined with the other features, it aids identification.

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