Catshark
Catshark Introduction
There are many different species of catshark, but most of them are small, harmless fish. They live in temperate and tropical oceans throughout the world. Some species migrate, while others tend to stay in one area. Some catsharks live in shallow waters; others live in water up to 6,600 feet beneath the ocean’s surface.
Most catsharks are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young. They lay their eggs in a tough, leathery pouch called a “mermaid’s purse,” and leave the purse on the seabed. After almost a year, a young shark hatches from the egg.
Catsharks eat bony fish, squid, and octopus. They have 40 to 110 rows of teeth—sort of like a hedgehog’s quills—and their teeth fall out and are replaced every 18 to 31 days!
Keywords to Learn
Oviparous: A animal that lays eggs
Species: Group of living organisms
About Me:
Hey Kids, my name is Cameron the Catshark and I am very happy to meet you. Learn more about me and my species https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/
Key Data
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Order:Carcharhiniformes.
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Lifespan:12 to 20 years.
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Class:Chondrichthyes.
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Scientific Name:Scyliorhinus.
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Mass:3 to 12 lbs.
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Length:31 in. (80 cm.) to 5.2 ft. (1.6 m.).
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Region found:Throughout the world.
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Population Status:Least concern.
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Current population trend:Stable.
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Diet:Fish, octopus, and squid.
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Sexual maturity:3 to 8 years.
As you have just learned, catsharks are known for their fashion accessories—mermaid’s purses. Catsharks are not known to be aggressive or dangerous to humans.
Now that you know more about the catshark by learning the key data above, be sure also to check out the fun facts. When you are finished learning the facts, try answering the questions in the Q&A corner on the bottom right side of the page.
Download questions about the catshark here: Catshark (answers are on this page)
Teachers. For more in depth work sheets on the catshark. Click on Kidskonnect Worksheets
Fun Facts for Kids
- # 1. Catsharks are the largest family of sharks with over 150 species.
- # 2. Catsharks are small, rarely growing over 31 inches.
- # 3. Catsharks have long, cat-like eyes; most have a patterned or spotted body.
- # 4. Some species of catshark can glow in the dark.
- # 5. Catsharks fill their bellies with water when threatened, which makes them seem much bigger than they really are.
Q&A Corner
- # 1. What do catsharks do when they feel threatened?
- # 2. How many teeth do catsharks have?
- # 3. How did the catshark get its name?
- # 4. Where do catsharks lay their eggs?
- # 5. Are catsharks endangered?
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Great work! Thank you for sharing this information It gives me great pleasure to read this information.