Sharks nocturnal

Australian Sawtail Catshark

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An elegant wanderer of the deep, the Australian Sawtail Catshark is a master of camouflage with a striking 'saddled' pattern. Found only in the cool southern waters of Australia, this elusive shark is a favorite for deep-sea explorers and marine enthusiasts.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Typically grows to a length of 40-61 cm (16-24 inches); weight is generally under 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs).

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Colors

Light brownish-gray base color featuring 11-13 prominent dark brown 'saddles' along the back, each outlined with a crisp white border. The underside is a uniform pale cream or white.

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Key Features

Enlarged saw-like dermal denticles along the tail edges
Distinctive dark saddles with white outlines
Two small dorsal fins positioned far back on the body
Slender, elongated cat-like silhouette

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern nocturnal

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Peak hours 10 PM - 4 AM

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Season Year-round

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Diet A generalist carnivore that feeds on small bottom-dwelling fishes, crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, and various cephalopods including small squid.

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Habitat Deepwater marine environments, specifically the outer continental shelf and upper continental slope at depths between 85 and 823 meters.

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Behavior

The Australian Sawtail Catshark is a specialized bottom-dweller that spends its life patrolling the seafloor of the outer continental shelf. Unlike many of their more famous cousins, these sharks are relatively sedentary and rely on their camouflage to blend into the substrate. They are generally solitary, though they may congregate in areas where food is abundant or during specific breeding cycles.

While they are technically predators, they are quite shy and pose no threat to humans. Their movement is slow and deliberate, often 'walking' along the seabed using their pectoral fins. In the wild, they are primarily scavengers and opportunistic hunters, using their keen sense of smell to locate prey in the dim light of the deep ocean. Because they live at such great depths, they are rarely seen by divers and are mostly known through research surveys and deep-sea camera footage.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Australian Sawtail Catshark requires a specialized approach known as a Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) system. Since this species lives far below the reach of sunlight and standard scuba equipment, you will need a pressure-rated waterproof housing capable of withstanding depths of at least 100 meters. Secure your camera to a heavy weighted frame to ensure it sits level on the sandy or muddy seafloor where these sharks reside.

Bait is the secret to success with this species. Use a perforated bait container filled with oily fish like sardines, mackerel, or crushed tuna. The scent trail (or 'plume') is what will draw the catshark from the darkness into the camera's field of view. Position the bait bag approximately 1 meter in front of the lens to ensure the shark is in focus when it arrives to investigate the source of the smell.

Lighting is critical in the deep-sea 'backyard.' While white lights work, they can sometimes startle deep-water organisms used to near-total darkness. If your equipment allows, use high-intensity infrared (IR) or red-filtered lights, which are less visible to many shark species. This allows you to capture more natural foraging behavior without the animal darting away from a harsh glare.

Set your camera to record in high-definition with a wide-angle lens to capture the shark's full silhouette and its unique 'sawtail' tail structure. Because activity in the deep sea can be sporadic, use a timer or a motion-trigger if your housing supports it; otherwise, plan for long-duration recording sessions. Checking the local bathymetric charts to find 'drop-off' zones on the continental slope will significantly increase your chances of a sighting.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Australian Sawtail Catshark.

Rusty Catshark

The Rusty Catshark has a more uniform, reddish-brown coloration without the distinct white-bordered saddles found on the Sawtail.

Southern Sawshark

Unlike the Sawtail Catshark which only has 'saw' scales on its tail, the Sawshark has a long, blade-like snout armed with teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Australian Sawtail Catsharks are primarily nocturnal. They are most active during the middle of the night when they hunt for small fish and crustaceans along the seafloor, though they may be seen at any time in the perpetual dimness of the deep ocean.

To attract an Australian Sawtail Catshark, you must use a 'scent plume' created by oily bait. Smashed sardines or mackerel placed in a mesh bag attached to a weighted underwater camera frame are the most effective lures for this species.

Their diet consists of a variety of small marine life, including bottom-dwelling bony fishes, shrimp, crabs, and small squid or octopuses found on the continental slope.

No, they are not found in suburban or coastal shallows. They are endemic to southern Australia but live exclusively in deep water on the outer continental shelf, usually starting at depths of 85 meters (280 feet) and going much deeper.

Look for the white-outlined dark 'saddles' on their back and the unique crest of enlarged scales (denticles) on the edges of their tail, which looks like the teeth of a saw. Most other catsharks lack this specific combination of markings and tail texture.

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