Flaccid catshark facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Flaccid catshark
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Chondrichthyes
Order:	Carcharhiniformes
Family:	Scyliorhinidae
Genus:	Apristurus
Species:	A. exsanguis
Binomial name
Apristurus exsanguis Sato, Nakaya & A. L. Stewart, 1999
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The flaccid catshark (Apristurus exsanguis) is a special type of catshark. It belongs to the family called Scyliorhinidae. This shark is found only in the waters around New Zealand. When a species is found in just one place, it's called endemic.

Where Do Flaccid Catsharks Live?

This shark species lives only around New Zealand. Records show that it is spread out across the mid to lower parts of the continental slope. This is the area where the land drops off into the deep ocean.

Scientists don't know much about all the Apristurus sharks in New Zealand. This is because it's hard to tell them apart. Flaccid catsharks seem to be most common below 1,000 meters (about 3,300 feet) deep. They are the only sharks often caught in research nets below 1,200 meters (about 3,900 feet). This happens especially on the Chatham Rise, which is an underwater area. Since not much fishing happens below 1,200 meters, many of these sharks might live in areas where they are safe from fishing.

How Are Flaccid Catsharks Protected?

The Department of Conservation in New Zealand keeps track of animals. They have listed the flaccid catshark as "Data deficient." This means scientists don't have enough information about the shark. They need more studies to know if it is safe or if it needs more protection. This classification is part of the New Zealand Threat Classification System.

See also

In Spanish: Apristurus exsanguis para niños