Catshark, striped

Scientific name

Poroderma africanum

Other names

Pyjama shark

Fishing method

Recreational shore angling and as bycatch in inshore trawl and demersal inshore shark longlining.

Area of capture

South Africa

SASSI Colour

Red (No Sale Species)

Summary

The striped catshark is a recreational species only. It is a resident species, with its eggs being found in horny egg cases or "mermaid´s purses". This species is endemic to the South Western Cape coastline, all the way along to KwaZulu Natal. This is a bottom living species, found in shallow reefs as far down as 100 metres.

Striped catshark are a Red-listed no-sale species, this means that it is illegal to sell or buy these species anywhere in South Africa. This species is specifically reserved for recreational fishers and may only be caught by fishers in possession of a recreational permit. These fishers must also abide by the recreational permit conditions which include daily bag limits and minimum size limits. Recreational fishers are not allowed to sell their catch as this would result in an unsustainable amount of effort being used in the fishery and undermines the livelihoods of legitimate commercial fishermen who rely on the resource for their income.

For more information, email us at sassi@wwf.org.za.

What can YOU do?

It is illegal to buy or sell striped catshark! Rather choose a green-listed species.