Date: July 1st, 11:58am
Today's fish of the day is the ginger carpetshark!
The ginger carpetshark, also known Parascyllium sparsimaculatum is a rarely found carpetshark in the Indo-Pacific! This species is defined by only three specimens found, so there is little to no population data, similar to many others in this genus. Of those three specimens however, we know they can be found around Western Australia on the upper continental shelf at a depth range of 204-245 meters, although it is likely more sharks are deeper than this. The three specimens were found between Fremantle and Cape Leeuwin of Southwestern to Western Australia. The name of this species is taken from Latin, with sparsimaculatum translating to sparse spots, in reference to the color patterns differentiating them from their close family members.
These sharks are just below the average in size for their family, coming in at 78.1cm. Although this number may be skewed by small sample size, or possible sexual dimorphism, as all current specimens are female sharks. The ginger carpetshark is defined and differentiated from other species in the Paracyllium genus by their large head and eyes, as well as their larger pectoral and dorsal fins. Also known for their mouths, which contain 43-49 rows of teeth per jaw. This shark is considered harmless to humans, although we are considered quite the threat to them, as all specimens were found after being pulled as bycatch in fishing efforts. There is currently no known information about their diet, or animals which may prey on them. Although, based on the behaviors of other species in their genus, this shark likely consumes small fish and invertebrates.
Little is known about the reproduction and lifecycle of this shark. Like all other carpet sharks, this species is oviparous, meaning that eggs are laid outside of the mother before hatching. Other than this, we have no information. The lifespan of this shark is unknown. We also don't know the size of which they achieve maturity. Until more specimen are found and we can begin to understand population trends, as well as more about this species!
That's the ginger carpetshark! I hope you enjoyed reading about them!