Overview

A modest-sized catshark from deep waters of the Southwest Indian Ridge, this species is best understood through its family placement, regional record, and limited available species-level data. A small catshark, with cataloged maximum length just over half a meter; no additional species-specific marks are supported by the supplied evidence. Recorded from the southwestern Indian Ocean along the Southwest Indian Ridge; broader species-level distribution is not established in the supplied evidence.

The catalog places this species in marine waters and gives it a deepwater range, but the supplied evidence does not resolve a finer habitat account.

Why it matters: The species is tracked in WoRMS under record ID 1042809, which anchors the taxonomic record used for this entry.

Common nameBythaelurus Naylori
Scientific nameBythaelurus naylori
FamilyScyliorhinidae
OrderCarcharhiniformes
Max length0.5 m
Depth range89 to 1443 meters
ConservationData deficient (DD)
RegionSouthwestern Indian Ocean: Southwest Indian Ridge

What this shark is

A small catshark, with cataloged maximum length just over half a meter; no additional species-specific marks are supported by the supplied evidence.

Where it lives

Recorded from the southwestern Indian Ocean along the Southwest Indian Ridge; broader species-level distribution is not established in the supplied evidence.

The catalog places this species in marine waters and gives it a deepwater range, but the supplied evidence does not resolve a finer habitat account.

How it differs from similar sharks

Compare it against Arabian catshark, Bythaelurus Bachi, and Dusky catshark.

Why it is notable

No species-specific interaction notes are supported here beyond a low-information record and a data-deficient conservation listing.

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 Bythaelurus alcockii using the PocketShark reference-assisted workflow, guided by genus-level Bythaelurus reference art; not to scale.
Bythaelurus alcockii

Arabian catshark

Common name: Bythaelurus Alcockii

Bythaelurus alcockii

0.3 m maxData deficient (DD)
Generated editorial rendering of Bythaelurus bachi using the PocketShark reference-assisted workflow, guided by genus-level Bythaelurus reference art; not to scale.
Bythaelurus bachi

Bythaelurus Bachi

Bythaelurus bachi from Walters Shoals

0.4 m maxData Deficient (DD)
Dusky catshark scientific illustration showing the elongated body and low dorsal fins; not to scale.
Bythaelurus canescens

Dusky catshark

Common name: Bythaelurus Canescens

Bythaelurus canescens

0.7 m maxVulnerable (VU)
Cleva's catshark specimen photograph showing the tapered body and long tail; not to scale.
Bythaelurus clevai

Broadhead cat shark

Common name: Bythaelurus Clevai

Cleva's catshark

0.4 m maxData deficient (DD)