South China cookiecutter shark

The South China Zigarrenhai ( Isistius labialis ) is one of three species of the genus cigar sharks ( Isistius ). The species was in 1985 by Meng, Q.-W., Zhu, Y.-D. & S. Li on the basis of a single copy ( holotype ) first described.

Features

The only copy of the South China Zigarrenhais described so far was 44 inches long. Comparable body lengths are also for the other two Isistius species ( brasiliensis Isistius and Isistius plutodus ) mentioned in the literature.

The bit has the typical Isistius thorn-like maxillary teeth and broad triangular lower jaw teeth. In contrast to the number of Isistius brasiliensis maxillary teeth in Isistius labialis is greater (43 instead of 31 to 37 ).

Dissemination

The specimen described was caught in the South China Sea.

Way of life

The lifestyle of the South China Zigarrenhais is unknown.

The holotype was captured in 520 m water depth at the upper continental slope. Due to the morphologically to the other two types Isistius very similar teeth, it can be assumed that also the South China Zigarrenhai probably feeds on invertebrates and the meat he bites out with the help of his teeth from large fish or marine mammals. Those caused by Isistius typical wounds were found, for example, to whales.

The fact that the way most cartilaginous fish, ovoviviparous (that is, the embryos develop in the womb and then born alive ) can be closed to other types Zigarrenhai basis of studies.