Very broad head, dense small brown spots, tiny dark pores under the head and conspicuous pale marks near fin origins; mouth corners lack labial furrows. Marine upper continental slope, approximately 220–420 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
Very broad head, dense small brown spots, tiny dark pores under the head and conspicuous pale marks near fin origins; mouth corners lack labial furrows.
Names and Classification
Current family Pentanchidae. The 2006 revision separates several formerly confused Holohalaelurus species. Also published under Scylliorhinus punctatus, Holohalaelurus polystigma.
Adult Size
Modern FAO treatment records adults approximately 29–33 cm male and 24–26 cm female total length. Older broad accounts give 35 cm.
Distribution and Habitat
Western Indian Ocean: northeastern South Africa, Mozambique and Madagascar. Older tropical East African records require taxonomic review. Marine upper continental slope, approximately 220–420 m.
Feeding and Ecological Role
Small bony fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods. Historically discarded trawl bycatch, with declines on some formerly productive grounds. A 2025 Western Indian Ocean trawl synthesis includes renewed records; neither older survey absence nor subsequent catches alone establishes present population trend.
Reproduction and Life History
Egg-laying, with one case per reproductive tract at a time; hatching size and annual output are unknown.
Conservation
Endangered (IUCN Red List global species assessment; Assessed 1 August 2019; published 2020; checked 2026-10-17). Global A 2 d; historical distribution and abundance need interpretation under revised species boundaries.
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: Present abundance, age, longevity and causes of local survey disappearance 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.
- FAO 2013 species account ↗Reference source
- Original 2006 taxonomic revision ↗Reference source
- IUCN global assessment ↗Reference source
- Original 2025 Western Indian Ocean trawl synthesis ↗Reference source
- Shark-References — species and taxonomic synonyms ↗Reference source