CORAL CATSHARK
'Atelomycterus marmoratus'
NAME: Coral Catshark
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Atelomycterus marmoratus
OTHER NAME: Dogfish, marbled catshark or marbled catshark
STATUS: Near Threatened
OVERVIEW: The names "coral catshark" and "marbled catshark" come from their striking colouration and love for living near coral reefs. These sharks have a sleek, slender body with a broad head and large, oval eyes. They feature two dorsal fins, each with a small spine at the front, and the second dorsal fin is slightly smaller. Their marbled pattern of light and dark brown or grey blotches on a pale background gives them perfect camouflage in their reef home.
SIZE: At birth: 10-13cmcm. Mature males: 47-62cm. Mature females: 49-57cm. Max size: 70cm
RANGE AND HABITAT: Coral catsharks prefer the peaceful, shallow waters of coral reef communities. Found mostly in the Indo-West Pacific, they thrive in regions around Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and neighbouring countries. These sharks are drawn to coral reefs, where they explore everything from intertidal zones to depths of about
100 meters. Well-suited to their reef habitat, they use the intricate structures and crevices for shelter and protection during the day.
DIET: Coral catsharks eat molluscs, crustaceans and small reef fish.
BEHAVIOUR: Coral catsharks have a clever trick: they can change colour to blend into their surroundings, helping them hide from predators and sneak up on prey. Their skin contains special cells called chromatophores, which allow them to adjust their colour patterns. During courtship or territorial disputes, they also use colour changes to communicate intentions and establish dominance without physical confrontation. When not camouflaged, they’re a stunning brown with a marbled pattern. This incredible adaptability helps them thrive in the complex environments of coral reefs.
BIOLOGY:
- Coral catsharks are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. They produce pairs of tough, leathery egg cases, 6-8 x 2-3cm, often called “mermaid’s purses,” with one embryo inside each. These egg cases are anchored to the substrate by long tendrils, providing protection as the embryos develop.
- Gestation: 4-6 months
- Sexual Maturity: 7 years.
- Lifespan: The only record is 20 years in captivity
THREATS: Coral catsharks are listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, with populations declining due to habitat loss and fishing pressures. These small sharks inhabit shallow coral reefs in the Indo-West Pacific and are often caught as bycatch in trawls, longlines, and gillnets. Over the past 45 years, their population has declined by 54–99%, with an estimated reduction of 20–29% over the last three generations.
The main threats include habitat degradation from coastal development, pollution, and destructive fishing, as well as climate change impacts on coral reefs. Although occasionally collected for the aquarium trade, this is not a primary concern.
Conservation efforts focus on creating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), promoting sustainable fishing to reduce bycatch, and raising awareness of coral reef conservation. Ongoing research is essential to monitor population trends and inform effective management strategies.
By addressing these threats, we can help secure the future of coral catsharks and their habitats.
FUN FACTS
- Coral catsharks can change colour to blend into the reef, using special skin cells called chromatophores. It’s not just for hiding—they also use colour to communicate during courtship and territorial disputes.
- They lay eggs known as "mermaid’s purses”
- These sharks are nocturnal hunters, feeding under the cover of night.
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REFERENCES
- “Coral Catshark” Mote marine laboratory and aquarium,https://mote.org/animal-encyclopedia/coral-catshark/
- David A. Ebert. et al, 2021, Sharks of the World: A Complete Guide.
- Coral Catshark”, Marine Bio, https://www.marinebio.org/species/coral-catsharks/atelomycterus-marmoratus/