Lollipop Shark
Cephalurus cephalus
- Least concern
- Card rarity: Common
- Sharks and rays
The lollipop catshark is a little-known species of shark belonging to the family Pentanchidae, the deepwater catsharks, and the only described member of its genus. A diminutive, bottom-dwelling shark of the outer continental shelf and upper continental slope, this species can be readily identified by its tadpole-like shape with a greatly expanded, rounded head and narrow body. The large head houses expanded gills, which are thought to be an adaptation for hypoxic conditions. This shark preys on crustaceans and fishes. Reproduction is aplacental viviparous, with females retaining egg cases internally two at a time until they hatch. There is no fishery interest in this species.
Classification
- Class
- Chondrichthyes
- Order
- Carcharhiniformes
- Family
- Pentanchidae
- Genus
- Cephalurus