Small izak catshark requiring formal morphology for identification; diagnostic characters should not be inferred solely from its common name. Marine continental slope; assessment records 607–658 m.
Wildlife education
This record supports wildlife education. Aquarium-care questions are not assigned to this profile.
Wildlife education profile; reviewed natural-history sources do not establish a captive operating protocol.
Wildlife reference; no home-aquarium stocking recommendation or validated captive operating protocol is supplied. Public-aquarium photographs document living animals, not suitability for private keeping.
Outstanding care evidence
- Institutional lifetime husbandry and veterinary protocol
Identification
Small izak catshark requiring formal morphology for identification; diagnostic characters should not be inferred solely from its common name.
Names and Classification
Accepted species restored by the 2006 revision after historical synonymy with H. punctatus or H. regani; original combination Scyliorhinus melanostigma. Also published under Scyliorhinus melanostigma.
Adult Size
Known to about 38 cm total length; typical adult and sex-specific maturity sizes unknown.
Distribution and Habitat
Western Indian Ocean off Kenya and Tanzania. Marine continental slope; assessment records 607–658 m.
Feeding and Ecological Role
Unknown from direct species-specific studies. Only a few museum specimens underpin current biological knowledge; population estimates are unavailable.
Reproduction and Life History
Reproductive mode and rates inadequately documented here.
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN global; Assessed 24 April 2018; published 2019). Global IUCN category; national listings are separate. Sparse or old records do not establish extinction. Taxonomic revisions limit transfer of older biological data.
Responsible Observation
Observe without chasing, feeding, touching or obstructing the animal. Keep fins and equipment off resting rays and sharks; give sawfishes and wedgefishes room to move. Follow the site’s local wildlife rules and use responsible dive operators.
About the Photographs
No freely reusable photograph of a verified living specimen was found in this search. The target of at least three photographs remains unmet. Dead or preserved specimens, drawings and uncertain identifications were excluded.
Aquarium Suitability
Wildlife education only. This marine elasmobranch is outside home-aquarium stocking and care guidance. Wild range and diet are not a captive operating protocol; this profile does not infer tank dimensions, water settings, acquisition advice or an institutional welfare plan.
Evidence Gaps
Evidence gaps include: Adult maturity, diet, reproductive mode, age, abundance and complete range remain poorly known.
A living record
Natural history, taxonomy and global conservation categories checked against the linked sources. Habitat measurements are not captive care settings. Each photograph has separate identity, living-status and rights evidence. Public content last reviewed October 17, 2026.
- Primary genus revision ↗Reference source
- IUCN global assessment ↗Reference source
- Shark-References — species and taxonomic synonyms ↗Reference source