Author: (Jordan and Richardson, 1909)
Field Marks:
A Galeus with black-tipped dorsal and caudal fins.
Diagnostic Features:
Precaudal tail somewhat compressed at base. Snout moderately long and pointed, preoral length about 6 to 7% of total length; prenarial snout less than eye length; eyes virtuaily lateral on head, subocular ridges obsolete; mouth fairly large and long, broadly arched, its width 6.2 to 9.1% of total length; labial furrows moderately long, not confined to mouth corners. Pelvic fins small, low and angular; interspace between pelvic and anal bases much shorter than anal base; anal base long, 12 to 15% of total length, less than or slightly greater than interdorsal space; origin just behind first dorsal insertion; no subcaudal crest of enlarged denticles on preventral caudal margin. No colour pattern of dark saddle blotches on body and caudal fin; dorsal fins and caudal tip with black terminal marking; mouth lining light. Monospondylous precaudal centra 31 to 34. Size small to moderate, adults up to about 40 cm.
Geographical Distribution:
Western North Pacific: China (Taiwan Island only), possibly the Philippines and Japan.
Habitat and Biology:
A little-known bottom-dwelling catshark of the continental shelves, offshore at depths of 60 to 90 m in the Taiwan 31 Straits, but possibly deeper elsewhere. Apparently oviparous.
Size:
Maximum 45 cm, adult males 36 to 38 cm, adult females 42 to 45 cm.
Interest to Fisheries:
Limited, taken by bottom trawlers in Taiwan Straits.
Type material:
Syntypes: Of 6 specimens mentioned in the original description of this species, 4 are apparently still extant: Stanford University, SU 21261, 4 adult males, 364, 367 (2) and 370 mm long. Type Locality: Takao (Taiwan Island).