Barbelthroat carpetshark

The barbelthroat carpetshark, Cirrhoscyllium expolitum, is a carpetshark of the family Parascylliidae found in the China Sea between Luzon in the Philippines and China, between latitudes 23° N and 10° N, at depths of between 180 and 190 m. Its length is up to 34 cm, but this measurement is only from two female specimens.

The barbelthroat carpetshark has a pair of cartilaginous barbels on the throat. The head length is three times the first dorsal fin base, and the mouth is in front of the eyes. The dorsal fins are equal sized and set back towards the tail. It is found on the continental shelf, offshore on or near the bottom.

Coloration is between six and ten diffuse saddle marks on the dorsal surface, the saddles above the abdomen being rounded and continuing above the pelvic fin bases. The gill region is without collar marking.

Reproduction is oviparous.

References

• Compagno, Dando, & Fowler, Sharks of the World, Princeton University Press, New Jersey 2005 ISBN 0-691-12072-2