Depth
Galeus · Sharks & Rays

Blackmouth Catshark

Galeus melastomus

Variable
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
Variable
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Variable
Habitat
Variable
Diet
Variable
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Low
Sighting Likelihood
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassElasmobranchii
GenusGaleus
Speciesmelastomus

Elasmobranch

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationA slender, small shark with a long, flat snout and large oval eyes. Named for the distinctive black lining inside its mouth. The body is grey-brown with darker saddle-shaped markings along the back. The skin feels rough to the touch.
  • SizeUp to 70 cm total length. Most adults are between 40 and 60 cm.
  • Social HabitOften found in groups segregated by sex and size. Rests on the bottom during the day and hunts more actively at night.
  • HabitatDeep continental slopes on muddy and sandy bottoms. One of the most common deep-water sharks in the Mediterranean.
  • Depth150 to 1400 m. Most abundant between 200 and 500 m.
  • Feeds OnSmall fish, cephalopods (squid and octopus), crustaceans (shrimp and krill), and polychaete worms.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from Norway and Iceland to Senegal, including the entire Mediterranean Sea. The most abundant deep-water catshark in the region.
  • DescriptionGaleus melastomus is a common but rarely seen deep-water shark, living well below recreational and most technical diving depths. It plays an important role in deep-sea food webs as both predator and prey for larger species. Currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, though it is frequently caught as bycatch in deep-water trawl fisheries.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean Sea. Habitat and depth details to be confirmed.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Habitat details for Blackmouth Catshark to be confirmed. Most commonly encountered in Mediterranean waters.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Blackmouth Catshark species card

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Where to Encounter in Malta

Dive sites where Galeus melastomus may be encountered will be added as sighting data is collected.

IUCN Red ListLeast Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes.

Source: IUCN Red List
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