Latin name

Parascyllium ferrugineum

Other name

Parascyllium ferrugineum

Identification

The Rusty Carpetshark has a slender, elongated body with a short snout. The mouth is placed in front of the eyes, there are narrow nasal furrows and the nostrils are surrounded by wrinkles. The slit eyes are horizontally elongated. There are tiny spiracles behind the eyes.

Features of fish fins

The base of the first dorsal fin of these sharks is located behind the free tip of the pelvic fins. The dorsal fins are of equal size and there are no spines at their bases. The pectoral fins are medium-sized and rounded. The anal fin is smaller than the second dorsal fin. Its base is in front of the base of the second dorsal fin. The caudal fin is asymmetrical, with a ventral notch on the edge of the upper lobe. The lower lobe is absent.

Fish colouring

The basic colouration of the Rusty Carpetshark is grey-brown. There is a faint 'necklace' around the gill area. The body, tail and caudal fin are covered with 6 saddle-shaped blotches. In addition, large dark spots are scattered over the body and fins, except for the pectoral fins. The fins, except the pectoral fins, are covered with large dark spots.

Distribution

Rusty carpetsharks are found in the eastern Indian Ocean. They are endemic to the southern coast of Australia (South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia).

Habitat

Marine demersal species. Occurs in temperate waters along the edge of the continental shelf at depths from 5 to 150 metres.

Size

The maximum length of males of this species is 80.0 cm.

Behavior

These sharks are nocturnal and hide in shelters during the day. It can be found on or near the bottom, as well as close to shore, near rocks and inlets, in seaweed thickets, on reefs or in sea grass beds.

Food and feeding habits

The diet of the Rusty Carpetshark consists of bottom dwelling crustaceans and molluscs.

Reproduction

These sharks reproduce by laying eggs.

Fishing

Rusty carpetsharks are not fished commercially. They are caught as by-catch in bottom trawls.

Relationship with a person

A species of shark that is harmless to humans.