catsharks
Spotted bottom-dwellers
Catsharks are a large family of small, slender sharks found in oceans worldwide, typically in deeper waters.
They have elongated, cat-like eyes and often display spotted or banded patterns.
Most species are harmless to humans and grow no longer than a few feet.
The diver spotted a catshark resting on the sandy bottom.
Composed of flexible connective tissue
- gillsAquatic respiratory organs
- finsSwimming appendages
- teethEnamel-covered chewing structures
- streamlinedMade smooth and efficient
spotted · slender · patterned · bioluminescent · nictitating membrane · spiracles · dorsal
Active during darkness
- crepuscularRelating to dusk
- bottom-dwellingInhabiting aquatic floors
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- stalkingStealthy, persistent pursuit
scavenging · egg-laying · oviparous · mermaid's purse · solitary · sluggish · resting · hiding
Underwater rock or coral formation
- oceanMassive saltwater body
- seafloorOcean's solid base
- benthicOf the sea bottom
- kelp forestSeaweed-dominated underwater ecosystem
coral · rocky · sandy · coastal · deep-sea · continental shelf · caves · crevices
Creature eating only animals
- huntPursuit of quarry
- preyAnimal being hunted
- crustaceansExoskeleton-bearing aquatic arthropods
- mollusksSoft-bodied invertebrates, often shelled
small fish · invertebrates · worms · squid · shrimp · cephalopods · opportunistic · teeth
Study of sea organisms
- ichthyologyScientific study of piscine life
- aquariumTank for keeping fish
- specimenIndividual for examination
- bycatchNon-target species caught accidentally
trawling · conservation · vulnerable · population · tagging · captive breeding · research · fisheries
cartilaginous
Composed of flexible connective tissue
streamlined · spotted · slender · patterned · bioluminescent · nictitating membrane · spiracles · dorsal
nocturnal
Active during darkness
- crepuscularRelating to dusk
- bottom-dwellingInhabiting aquatic floors
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
stalking · scavenging · egg-laying · oviparous · mermaid's purse · solitary · sluggish · resting · hiding · camouflaged
reef
Underwater rock or coral formation
kelp forest · coral · rocky · sandy · coastal · deep-sea · continental shelf · caves · crevices · Indo-Pacific
carnivore
Creature eating only animals
- huntPursuit of quarry
- preyAnimal being hunted
- crustaceansExoskeleton-bearing aquatic arthropods
mollusks · small fish · invertebrates · worms · squid · shrimp · cephalopods · opportunistic · teeth · crushing
marine biology
Study of sea organisms
- ichthyologyScientific study of piscine life
- aquariumTank for keeping fish
- specimenIndividual for examination
bycatch · trawling · conservation · vulnerable · population · tagging · captive breeding · research · fisheries
species
Finest taxonomic rank
- shark types
catsharksgreat white sharks
Large predatory ocean fish
white sharks · great whites · tiger sharks · bull sharks · megalodon