Pyjama Shark
Poroderma africanum
- Least concern
- Card rarity: Common
- Sharks and rays
The pyjama shark or striped catshark is a species of catshark, and part of the family Scyliorhinidae, endemic to the coastal waters of South Africa. This abundant, bottom-dwelling species can be found from the intertidal zone to a depth of around 100 m (330 ft), particularly over rocky reefs and kelp beds. With a series of thick, parallel, dark stripes running along its stout body, the pyjama shark has an unmistakable appearance. It is additionally characterized by a short head and snout with a pair of slender barbels that do not reach the mouth, and two dorsal fins that are placed far back on the body. It can grow up to a length of 1.1 m (3.6 ft) long.
Classification
- Class
- Chondrichthyes
- Order
- Carcharhiniformes
- Family
- Scyliorhinidae
- Genus
- Poroderma