Catsharks (Scyliorhinidae)

This is an extensive family, consisting of 15 genera including 89 species. Catsharks got their name from their cat-like eyes and have only rudimentary developed nicitating eyelids. They possess moderately large spiracles. The first dorsal fin is smaller than the anal fin, and its origin is slightly before or after the origin of the pelvic fins. Catsharks have a world-wide distribution from tropical to cold-temperate waters over the continental shelves to the slopes down to 2000m. Catsharks normally feed on invertebrates and small fishes, and most of them lay eggs (oviparous). The biology of most species is poorly known.