Black Roughscale Catshark

Diagnosis: Body uniformly black, slightly brownish in larger specimens. Dermal denticles large and giving a rough texture to the skin. Upper labial furrows longer than the lower ones. First dorsal fin only slightly smaller than the second dorsal fin, originating from above anterior third to middle of the pelvic fin base. Second dorsal fin insertion just before level of anal fin insertion. Interorbital space 1.9-3.5 times eye horizontal diameter. Abdomen between pectoral fin tip and pelvic fin origin 1.3-2.5 times pectoral fin width. Spiral valves of the intestine 19-23 (mostly 21-22). Monospondylous + precaudal diplospondylous vertebrae 36-43 + 26-32 (often 38-40 + 28-30). Dermal denticles on tongue and palate absent (Ref. 56212).

Found generally at depths of more than 1000 meters (Ref. 56212).

The black roughscale catshark (Apristurus melanoasper) is a catshark of the family Scyliorhinidae. It is recorded from the north Atlantic, eastern South Atlantic, in the Indian Ocean and around Australia and New Zealand. The species can be found on continental shelf at depths between 510 and 1,520 m. It can grow up to 90 cm (35 in).