HomeFish encyclopediaSharks and RaysGround sharksCat sharksWest African catshark West African catshark (Scyliorhinus cervigoni) Scientific name: Scyliorhinus cervigoni Maurin & Bonnet, 1970 The West African catshark (Scyliorhinus cervigoni) is a marine fish of the family Scyliorhinidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 11–16°C (52–61°F). Native range: Eastern Atlantic, probably wide-ranging off tropical West Africa, from Mauritania to Angola. Often been referred to as Scyliorhinus stellaris in the past. West African catshark care at a glanceTemperature11–16°C (52–61°F) BiologyFound on rocky and muddy bottoms of the continental shelf and upper slope. Temperature: 11-16?C. Salinity: 30 ppt. Oxygen: 1.0-1.6 ml/l. Feeds on bony fishes. Oviparous.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameScyliorhinus cervigoniFamilyScyliorhinidae (Cat sharks)OrderCarcharhiniformes (Ground sharks)ClassElasmobranchii (Sharks and Rays)Maximum length67.0Depth range45–500 m (148–1640 ft)EnvironmentMarine; demersal; depth range 45 - 500 mClimateDeep-waterDistributionEastern Atlantic: probably wide-ranging off tropical West Africa, from Mauritania to Angola. Often been referred to as Scyliorhinus stellaris in the past.Conservation status (IUCN)Data deficient (DD)Threat to humansHarmlessUsesFisheries: subsistence fisheriesResilienceLow, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Fec assumed to be SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.Last updated 27 September 2026