Whitefin Swellshark

The whitefin swellshark (Cephaloscyllium albipinnum) is a little-known species of catshark, family Scyliorhinidae, endemic to southeastern Australia. It is found 126–554 m (413–1,818 ft) down, on the outer continental shelf and upper continental slope. Reaching 1.1 m (3.6 ft) in length, this shark has a very thick body and a short, broad, flattened head with a large mouth. It is characterized by a dorsal color pattern of dark saddles and blotches over a brown to gray background, and light fin margins. When threatened, the whitefin swellshark can inflate itself with water or air as a defense measure. Reproduction is oviparous. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed this species as Near Threatened; it is a frequent bycatch of trawls and there is evidence that its population is declining.