Swellshark (Cephaloscyllium ventriosum)

Scientific name: Cephaloscyllium ventriosum Garman, 1880

Swellshark (Cephaloscyllium ventriosum)

The Swellshark (Cephaloscyllium ventriosum) is a marine fish of the family Scyliorhinidae. Native range: Eastern Pacific, central California, USA to the Gulf of California and southern Mexico; central Chile.

Biology

Found on the continental shelves and upper slopes from inshore to deeper waters. Prefers rocky, algal-covered areas of kelp beds. Nocturnal. Feeds on bony fishes, alive and dead, and probably crustaceans. Can inflate its stomach with water or air. Oviparous. Can live in tanks for several years and females can lay eggs in captivity. Occurs in aggregations while resting, sometimes piled one on top of the other. Sometimes caught by sport divers but not used.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Cephaloscyllium ventriosum
Family
Scyliorhinidae (Cat sharks)
Order
Carcharhiniformes (Ground sharks)
Class
Elasmobranchii (Sharks and Rays)
Maximum length
100.0
Depth range
457 m (1499 ft)
Environment
Marine; demersal; depth range ? - 457 m, usually 5 - 37 m
Climate
Subtropical
Distribution
Eastern Pacific: central California, USA to the Gulf of California and southern Mexico; central Chile.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; gamefish: yes; aquarium: public aquariums
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Fec assumed to be

More other marine fish

See all other marine fish

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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