Overview

A recorded eastern central Pacific shark from Panama, Apristurus stenseni is currently listed as Least Concern. The catalog places this species in Carcharhiniformes and Scyliorhinidae, with Apristurus stenseni as the accepted species name. Recorded from the eastern central Pacific near Panama; FishBase notes that a Galapagos record is questionable.

Most species are bottom-associated and favor reefs, soft-bottom shelves, canyons, or upper-slope terrain. Habitat varies substantially by genus.

Why it matters: Many catshark egg cases are the classic 'mermaid's purses' washed ashore after hatching.

Common nameApristurus Stenseni
Scientific nameApristurus stenseni
FamilyScyliorhinidae
OrderCarcharhiniformes
Depth range915 to 975 meters
ConservationLeast Concern (LC)
RegionEastern Central Pacific: Panama

What this shark is

The catalog places this species in Carcharhiniformes and Scyliorhinidae, with Apristurus stenseni as the accepted species name.

Where it lives

Recorded from the eastern central Pacific near Panama; FishBase notes that a Galapagos record is questionable.

Most species are bottom-associated and favor reefs, soft-bottom shelves, canyons, or upper-slope terrain. Habitat varies substantially by genus.

How it differs from similar sharks

Compare it against Apristurus Albisoma, Apristurus Ampliceps, and Apristurus Australis.

Why it is notable

They are usually harmless and seldom noticed outside trawls, research catches, aquaria, or night dives.

Many catsharks are cryptic and nocturnal, resting by day and foraging slowly over the bottom after dark.

Related shark pages

These links are meant to help readers continue through related species, not force extra clicks.

Generated editorial rendering of Apristurus breviventralis using the PocketShark reference-assisted workflow, shown in lateral specimen-board profile; not to scale.
Apristurus breviventralis

Shortbelly catshark

Common name: Apristurus Breviventralis

Apristurus breviventralis

0.5 m max