Common name : Brown banded bamboo shark, Cat shark
Scientific name : Chiloscyllium punctatum
Family : Hemiscyllidae
Native to : Western PacificOcean and Indian Ocean
Interesting fact : It can surviveout of water for about 12 hours.
Conservation status : Near Threatened
True to its name, the cat shark has whisker-like barbells near its mouth for sensing prey. Juveniles have black bands on their bodies. This fish has leg-like muscular pectoral and pelvic fins enabling it to live in reefs and crevices. This solitary and nocturnal animal feeds on crabs, shrimps and small fish. Eggs are laid on the sea bed. Its lifespan is 20 years.
