Gollum attenuatus (Garrick, 1954)
Slender smooth-hound
photo by Duffy, C.

Family:  Pseudotriakidae (False catsharks)
Max. size:  107 cm TL (male/unsexed); 109.2 cm TL (female)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 120 - 660 m
Distribution:  Southwest Pacific: occurs off New Zealand and on rises between New Zealand and the east coast of Australia, New Caledonia, and Fiji just south of the Western Central Pacific. Placement in Proscyllidae provisional, probably will be relocated in Pseudotriakidae.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0. Caudal fin without a rippled dorsal margin and ventral lobe but with a strong subterminal notch; vertebral axis of caudal fin little raised above body axis (Ref. 13566).
Biology:  An uncommon to common deep-water bottom-dwelling shark found on the outermost continental shelf and upper slope of New Zealand and on adjacent seamounts and submarine banks (Ref. 13566). Seems adapted to waters of about 10°C and 34.8 ppt salinity (Ref. 6893). Feeds on a wide variety of fishes, cephalopods, and other invertebrates (Ref. 13566). Probably in schools (Ref. 13566). Females grow slightly larger than males (Ref. 13566). Ovoviviparous, embryos feeding on yolk sac and other ova produced by the mother, uterine milk is consumed additionally (Ref. 50449). Two young are born per litter (Ref. 13566).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 21 June 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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