Information briefs and risk analyses for species under consideration ...

Figure 1: Identification key for species of the Scyliorhinidae (cat sharks).
Distribution, habitat and behaviour
4 Carpet shark is distributed around mainland New Zealand, including the Chatham and
Stewart Islands (Figure 2). The species can also be found in other regions of the
southwest Pacific Ocean, including the southern regions of Australia. Carpet shark is
found in waters from 0 – 690m deep, and is generally found at around 85m depth. It is
considered to be primarily a shelf or coastal species.
Figure 2: Distribution of carpet shark in the New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone.
5 Like many Chondricthyans (cartilaginous fishes), carpet sharks are nocturnal. During
the day, they rest in caves or under overhangs within rocky/reef habitats, where their
external colours allow them to camouflage with their surroundings. At night, carpet
sharks will venture widely around sandy and rocky regions to prey upon small fish,
cephalopods and a range of other invertebrates (crabs, worms and shellfish).
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