Diagnosis

A moderately-sized, distinctive deepwater shark (under 100cm TL); anal fin notably elongate, with its base measuring 13 - 18% of TL. Snout moderately long, broadly pointed and with a flattened tip when viewed dorsally; mouth short but broad with fairly long labial furrows at corners. Pectoral fins short, broad and paddle-like; pelvic fins small and more angular; two low dorsal fins posteriorly-placed, essentially equi-sized with the second originating posterior to the anal fin base. Caudal fin rather compressed, with a crest of modified denticles on its anterior dorsal margin. Dorsal colour brown or tan with a series of striking dark-brown rounded blotches, connecting saddles and spots on dorsum, upper flanks and tail; especially conspicuous in fresh specimens; inside of mouth black.

Size

Maximum 90cm TL with most specimens under 75cm.

Status and Distribution

Mediterranean Sea: Common or locally abundant; cosmopolitan through all basins of the Mediterranean including the Adriatic (mostly southern-central regions) and Aegean Sea.

Biology

A generally deepwater species, on or near the bottom over the outer margins of the continental shelf or on upper slopes, where it is found at depths of 200 to 500m or deeper and infrequently venturing as shallow as 55m. Predominantly feeding upon benthic and midwater invertebrates such as cepahlopods, crustaceans and gastropods, the blackmouth catsharks also takes deepwater teleosts such as lanternfish and occasionally preys upon  other small elasmobranchs. Oviparous, with litters possibly up to 13 based on the number of eggs reported from females; egg cases measuring 6 x 3cm and lack tendrils. This species spawns throughout the year in Mediterranean waters but with a peak during the spring-summer. Females mature between 39 - 45 cm, males between 34 - 42cm.