# Coral Catshark (*atelomycterus marmoratus*) The Coral Catshark is a small and friendly shark that loves to hide among the colorful corals! It has beautiful patterns on its skin that help it blend in with its surroundings. - **Category:** [Fish](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/fish) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Coral reefs in warm, shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific. - **Also known as:** Coral Shark, Marble Catshark, Marmorated Catshark ![Coral Catshark](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Atelomycterus_marmoratus_newport.jpg&width=800) Photo: yvonne n from Willowick, usa, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Atelomycterus_marmoratus_newport.jpg) ## Appearance The Coral Catshark has a slender body with a flattened head, short barbels, and a distinct, intricate marbled pattern of dark brown spots and stripes over a light background. Its appearance allows it to blend seamlessly with coral reefs and rocky seafloors. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Elasmobranchii - **Order:** Carcharhiniformes - **Family:** Scyliorhinidae - **Genus:** Atelomycterus ## Interesting facts - Coral Catsharks can survive short periods out of water during low tide, waiting for the ocean to return. - During mating, the male catshark gently bites the female to hold her in place. - It lays unusual egg cases, often called 'mermaid's purses,' that attach to underwater plants! - They use whisker-like growths called barbels near their mouths to 'taste' the seafloor for food. ## Special abilities - **Super Sense:** Coral Catshark can detect weak electrical fields because of special pores that helps them find hidden prey. - **Camouflage Cloak:** Coral Catshark has a patterned skin that helps them blend perfectly into coral and rocky environments. - **Flexi-Body:** Coral Catshark can squeeze into tiny cracks and crevices because of its slender, agile body for hiding or hunting. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 40-70 cm - **Weight:** 1-2 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-20 years - **Swim Speed:** 2 km/h - **Maximum Depth:** 100 m - **Water Type:** Saltwater ## Diet & Feeding This shark hunts small critters and fish hiding among the coral, using its super senses to find them! - **Primary Foods:** small fish, shrimp, crabs, worms, squid - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** Giant Tiger Prawn (*Penaeus monodon*) — A common meal for the catshark. - **Eats:** Blue Swimmer Crab (*Portunus pelagicus*) — Crabs are a favorite benthic food source. - **Eaten by:** Grey Reef Shark (*Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos*) — Larger sharks sometimes prey on juveniles. - **Shelter:** Staghorn Coral (*Acropora formosa*) — Provides hiding spots from predators and current. ## Traits - [Spotted](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spotted): Marked with spots or patches of a different color. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Marine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/marine): Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Fish](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/fish) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Coral Catshark? Look at body shape, where the fins sit and their outline, mouth position, stripes and spots. Young fish and breeding adults can wear different patterns, and aquarium color varieties can look nothing like wild fish. Fish Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Coral Catshark? 40-70 cm ### How much does Coral Catshark weigh? 1-2 kg ### How long does Coral Catshark live? 10-20 years ### What does Coral Catshark eat? This shark hunts small critters and fish hiding among the coral, using its super senses to find them! ### How fast can Coral Catshark swim? 2 km/h ### Where is Coral Catshark usually found? Coral reefs in warm, shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific. ### How does Coral Catshark hunt? Ambush ## Where to spot - [New England Aquarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/new-england-aquarium) — Massachusetts, US · Aquarium - [Flint RiverQuarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/flint-riverquarium-georgia) — Georgia, US · Aquarium ## More Fish - [Rainbow Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rainbow-trout) (*Oncorhynchus mykiss*) - [Brown Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-trout) (*Salmo trutta*) - [Brook Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brook-trout) (*Salvelinus fontinalis*) - [Lake Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/lake-trout) (*Salvelinus namaycush*) --- Source: [Coral Catshark: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coral-catshark)