Sicklefin weasel shark (Hemigaleus microstoma) fish species and information / pictures of Sicklefin weasel shark - Hemigaleus microstoma

Sicklefin weasel shark (Hemigaleus microstoma) fish species information

Scientific Name
Hemigaleus microstoma

Common Name
Sicklefin weasel shark

Biology
A small, relatively common inshore and offshore shark of tropical continental seas (Ref. 13567). Feeds mainly on cephalopods, particularly octopi (Ref. 13567) but also takes crustaceans and cephalopods (Ref. 244). Viviparous (Ref. 50449). Taken regularly in inshore artisanal fisheries (Ref.244), commonly caught by inshore gillnet, bottom trawl and, to a lesser extent, longline fisheries. Utilized for human consumption (Ref. 244). Offal used for fishmeal (Ref. 244).

Classification

Classified By

Bleeker, 1852

Class

Sharks and Rays (Elasmobranchii)

Order

Ground sharks (Carcharhiniformes)

Family

Weasel sharks (Hemigaleidae)

Distribution

Region

Indo-West Pacific

Distribution

Indo-West Pacific: southern India and Sri Lanka; China to Indonesia. Recent study confirmed that those found in Australia (and probably Papua New Guinea) is a separate species, Hemigaleus australiensis (Ref. 56150).

Range

28°N - 30°S

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

22 °C

Water Temperature To

28 °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

demersal

Environment

Marine; demersal

Trophic Level

4.16 s.e. 0.41 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

114 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.7539 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: minor commercial

Vulnerability

Moderate to high vulnerability (50 of 100)

Resilience

Very Low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years (Fec=4)

Threat To Humans

Harmless (Ref. 13567)

IUCN Red List Status

Vulnerable (VU) (A2d+3d+4d)