Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays) >
Carcharhiniformes (Ground sharks) >
Pentanchidae (Deepwater catsharks)
Etymology: Asymbolus: Etymology not explained, possibly a-, Latin privative, i.e., without; sym-, from syn (Gr.), together or joined; bolus (L.), lump or morsel, proposed as a subgenus of Scyliorhinus (Scyliorhinidae) distinguished in part by labial fold of upper lip not hanging over lower-jaw symphysis of A. analis and A. vincenti (See ETYFish); galacticus: From the Greek galaktikos, milky, referring to its striking color pattern with numerous milky white patches that resemble the Milky Way (See ETYFish).
More on authors: Séret & Last.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 235 - 550 m (Ref. 77056). Tropical
Western Pacific: New Caledonia.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 47.7 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 77056); 46.6 cm TL (female)
Short description
Identification keys | Morphology | Morphometrics
Small and slender species of catshark with the following set of characters: distinct variegated colour pattern with numerous milky white blotches surrounded by rusty-brown spots and blotches; dorsal saddles on back are faint and dusky, dorsal ground light brown, paler on sides; claspers in adults are long and slender, distally pointed; teeth with 3 or 5 cusps; the median cusps much larger than those adjacent (Ref. 77056).
Body shape (shape guide): elongated.
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Séret, B. and P.R. Last, 2008. Asymbolus galacticus sp. Nov., a new species of spotted catshark (Carcharniformes: Scyliorhinidae) from New Caledonia. Cybium 32(2):137-143. (Ref. 77056)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
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