catshark
Bottom-dwelling small elasmobranch
A catshark is a small shark belonging to a large family found in oceans worldwide.
Named for their elongated, cat-like eyes, catsharks are typically bottom-dwellers that feed on invertebrates and small fish.
Most species are harmless to humans and rarely exceed three feet in length.
The diver spotted a catshark resting on the sandy bottom.
Small cartilaginous fish
- ichthyologyScientific study of piscine life
- speciesFinest taxonomic rank
- genusTaxonomic rank above species
- classificationSystematic grouping by traits
Composed of flexible connective tissue
Active during darkness
- crepuscularRelating to dusk
- bottom-dwellingInhabiting aquatic floors
- slow-movingProgressing at low speed
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
cryptic · camouflaged · resting · hiding · solitary · scavenger · opportunistic · sluggish
Ocean's solid base
- benthicOf the sea bottom
- substrateUnderlying supporting material
- seagrassSaltwater flowering plant
- coral-reefSubmarine calcium carbonate ecosystem
crevice · cave · shallow · inshore · littoral · temperate · tropical · subtropical
Creature eating only animals
- crustaceansExoskeleton-bearing aquatic arthropods
- mollusksSoft-bodied invertebrates, often shelled
- wormsLimbless burrowing invertebrates
- shrimpSmall edible crustacean
crab · squid · invertebrates · scavenger · opportunistic · prey · bottom-feeder · cephalopods
Presentation for viewing
- tankLarge storage vessel
- hardyAble to endure difficulty
- popularWidely admired by many
- docileEasily controlled or taught
husbandry · educational · observation · low-maintenance · compatible
dogfish
Small cartilaginous fish
- ichthyologyScientific study of piscine life
- speciesFinest taxonomic rank
- genusTaxonomic rank above species
cartilaginous
Composed of flexible connective tissue
spiracles · slender · oviparous · vertebrate · cold-blooded
nocturnal
Active during darkness
- crepuscularRelating to dusk
- bottom-dwellingInhabiting aquatic floors
- slow-movingProgressing at low speed
ambush · cryptic · camouflaged · resting · hiding · solitary · scavenger · opportunistic · sluggish · sedentary
seafloor
Ocean's solid base
coral-reef · crevice · cave · shallow · inshore · littoral · temperate · tropical · subtropical · pacific
carnivore
Creature eating only animals
- crustaceansExoskeleton-bearing aquatic arthropods
- mollusksSoft-bodied invertebrates, often shelled
- wormsLimbless burrowing invertebrates
shrimp · crab · squid · invertebrates · scavenger · opportunistic · prey · bottom-feeder · cephalopods · bivalves
display
Presentation for viewing
docile · husbandry · educational · observation · low-maintenance · compatible
catsharkgreat white shark
Largest predatory fish
great white · white shark · tiger shark · bull shark · mako shark