Galeus

Galeus
Temporal range: Early Miocene–Present[1]
Blackmouth catshark (Galeus melastomus)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Subclass: Elasmobranchii
Order: Carcharhiniformes
Family: Pentanchidae
Genus: Galeus
Cuvier, 1816
Type species
Galeus melastomus
Synonyms
  • Pristiurus (subgenus of Scyllium) Bonaparte, 1834

Galeus is a genus of deepwater catshark, belonging to the family Pentanchidae, commonly known as sawtail catsharks in reference to a distinctive saw-toothed crest of enlarged dermal denticles, found along the upper edges of their caudal fins.[3] They are found in the Atlantic, the western and central Pacific, and the Gulf of California, inhabiting deep waters at or close to the sea floor. Members of this genus are rather small, slim sharks with firm bodies and thick, rough skin. Their heads are usually fairly long and pointed, and have large mouths with well-developed furrows at the corners. They have large pectoral and anal fins, and two similar dorsal fins placed well back. Many species are ornately patterned with dark saddles and/or blotches. Sawtail catsharks feed on various invertebrates and fishes, and may be either egg-laying or live-bearing. These harmless sharks are sometimes caught as bycatch but are of minimal commercial value.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference marsili was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Rafinesque, C.S. (1810). Caratteri di alcuni nuovi generi e nuove specie di animali e piante della Sicilia, con varie osservazioni sopra i medisimi. (Part 1 involves fishes, pp. [i-iv] 3-69, Part 2 with slightly different title, pp. ia-iva + 71-105). Pls. 1-20.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference compagno1988 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).