Galeus melastomus Rafinesque, 1810

Blackmouth catshark

Galeus melastomus is a bottom living shark found on the continental shelf from 200 to 1,200 m, and occaisonally shallower.  They are distributed from Africa, north to the Faroes and Trondheim (Whitehead et al., 1989).

Galeus species are recognised by thier snout which is longer than the width across the mouth, and in the blackmouth shark is flat and pointed.  The first of two dorsal fins originates over the rear part of pelvic fins.  The distinctive colouring includes a series of rounded connected dark brown blotches along the back and sides, while the lateral sides are lighter.  The inside of the mouth is black, hence the common name of blackmouth catshark.  The length of females ranges up to 90 cm while the males appear to be smaller (Whitehead et al., 1989).

Galeus melastomus were recorded from the Propeller and Perseverance mounds in the northern Porcupine Seabight, during the Caracole cruise of August 2001.

The blackmouth catshark appears to be of minor commercial importance.

There is more information available for this species in FishBase. 

Prepared by: Ecological Consultancy Services Ltd www.ecoserve.ie