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Coral Catshark
Coral Catshark
mixed coral reef structure
branching soft coral / gorgonian
encrusting coralline algae
pink encrusting sponge or coral rubble
small unidentified reef fish
6 creatures detected
1600 × 631 · 320 KB compressed · 7.37 MB original

Coral Catshark

Atelomycterus marmoratus

HIGH
Family
Scyliorhinidae
Also known as
Marbled Catshark, Coral Cat Shark
Description
The coral catshark is a small, slender shark characterized by its distinctive dark spots and blotches on a pale grayish-white body. It is a benthic species that crawls along the reef bottom using its pectoral fins and is nocturnal, feeding on small fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Its elongated body, prominent nostrils, and spotted pattern make it unmistakable among Indo-Pacific reef sharks.
Habitat
Found in shallow coral reef environments from the intertidal zone to depths of around 90 m. Distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific, from the Persian Gulf and India eastward to the Philippines, Indonesia, and northern Australia. Prefers reef crevices and rubble zones.
Conservation status
Vulnerable
Notes
The specimen is clearly visible with excellent detail, showing the characteristic large dark spots, slender elongated body, and paired fins. The coloration and spot pattern are consistent with Atelomycterus marmoratus. A large dark ocellus-like spot near the pectoral fin region is typical of this species.
Creatures detected6 in frame
  • Coral Catsharkfish
  • mixed coral reef structurecoral
  • branching soft coral / gorgoniancoral
  • encrusting coralline algaecoral
  • pink encrusting sponge or coral rubbleinvertebrate
  • small unidentified reef fishfish