Parmaturus campechiensis

Author: Springer 1979

Field Marks:
A deepwater, soft-bodied, plain catshark with a short snout, first dorsal origin about opposite pelvic origins, second dorsal larger than first, crest of denticles on dorsal caudal margin.

Diagnostic Features:
Snout broadly rounded; anterior nasal flaps reduced to low points; gill septa excavated and concave posteriorly. First dorsal fin smaller than second; first dorsal origin over pelvic origins; first dorsal insertion slightly in front of pelvic insertions; second dorsal about as large as anal fin; second dorsal origin well behind anal origin; second dorsal insertion well behind anal insertion; ventral edge of caudal peduncle and preventral caudal margin without a crest of enlarged denticles.

Geographical Distribution:
Known only from the type locality.

Habitat and Biology:
A little-known deepwater catshark, from the western Atlantic continental slope on or near the bottom at 1097 m depth. Known only from the holotype.

Size:
Maximum 16+cm (immature holotype).

Interest to Fisheries:
None.

Type material:
Holotype: U.S. National Museum, USNM 206184, 157 mm immature female.
Type Locality: 21°33'N, 96°48'W, northwestern Bay of Campeche, Gulf of Mexico, 1097 m depth.

%LABEL% (%SOURCE%)