page_title: Galeus
section_title: Distribution and habitat
hierarchical_section_title: Galeus / Distribution and habitat
caption_attribution_description: English: Roughtail catshark (Galeus arae)
context_page_description: Galeus is a genus of catshark, belonging to the family Scyliorhinidae, commonly known as sawtail catsharks in reference to a distinctive saw-toothed crest of enlarged dermal denticles, found along the upper edges of their caudal fins. They are found in the Atlantic, the western and central Pacific, and the Gulf of California, inhabiting deep waters at or close to the sea floor. Members of this genus are rather small, slim sharks with firm bodies and thick, rough skin. Their heads are usually fairly long and pointed, and have large mouths with well-developed furrows at the corners. They have large pectoral and anal fins, and two similar dorsal fins placed well back. Many species are ornately patterned with dark saddles and/or blotches. Sawtail catsharks feed on various invertebrates and fishes, and may be either egg-laying or live-bearing. These harmless sharks are sometimes caught as bycatch but are of minimal commercial value.
context_section_description: The centers of biodiversity for Galeus are the North Atlantic (8 species) and the northwestern Pacific (4 species). A few outlying species are found in the South Atlantic (G. mincaronei and G. polli), Oceania (G. gracilis and G. priapus), and the Gulf of California (G. piperatus). In the western  Indian Ocean, this genus appears to be replaced by the ecologically similar genus Holohalaelurus. Sawtail catsharks are demersal in habits and occur in deep water over outer continental and insular shelves and upper slopes.
caption: A roughtail catshark (G. arae) in its natural habitat; members of this genus occur close to the bottom in deep water.
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