Parascyllium sparsimaculatum Goto & Last, 2002
Sparsely spotted carpetshark

Family:  Parascylliidae (Collared carpet sharks)
Max. size:  78.1 cm TL (female)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 204 - 245 m
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean: Western Australia.
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 45-46. Body yellowish-brown with relatively few, large, diffuse-edged, rusty-brown spots; collar-like saddle over gill region extremely faint. Head relatively large (length greater than 16% TL). Eyes large (horizontal diameter >11% HL). Pectoral fin large, anterior margin at least 10% TL. Dorsal fins relatively tall, erect with angular apices. Upper jaw with 43-49 teeth rows. Differs from P. ferrugineum and the more heavily spotted "P. multimaculatum" morph by having a larger eye (versus <11% HL); slightly more than tooth rows (versus 38-41); fewer and much paler spots on the body ; and more erect and angular dorsal fins (Ref. 41629).
Biology:  Species is likely to occur deeper, 245-435. Oviparous (Ref. 50449).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 30 April 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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