The mandarin dogfish (Cirrhigaleus barbifer) is a dogfish, a member of the family Squalidae in the order Squaliformes. It is found at depths of 140–650 metres (460–2,130 ft) off southern Japan, Taiwan, and Indonesia (Bali and Lombok). Populations off Australia and New Zealand were formerly included in this species, but in 2007 these were assigned to a new species, the southern mandarin dogfish. It is not clear which of these species is involved in other populations from the tropical West Pacific.
m the tropical West Pacific.
In March 2013 it was announced that two sharks caught near Rottnest Island off the coast of Western Australia in 2011 had been identified as Cirrhigaleus barbifer.
The mandarin dogfish (Cirrhigaleus barbifer) ranges in colour from grey to brown, with a pale underside. Many also display a mottled pattern near the snout and various locations along the dorsal side. Cirrhigaleus barbifer has a stout body and a short snout, with two to three rows of teeth on both upper and lower jaws. The maximum length of the species is not certain, but one of the longest lengths recorded was observed with a 125 cm mature female. On average, the males are a shorter length than their female counterparts. One of the most distinct features of the species are their elongated nasal barbels, thought to help with locating prey.
The preferred habitat of Cirrhigaleus barbifer is not well documented. Based on the species’ presence in Japan, Taiwan, and Indonesia, it can be inferred that deep waters in subtropical/tropical climates are likely habitats. There have been noted instances of Cirrhigaleus barbifer in New Zealand and Western Australia, suggesting that the species has a broader habitat range.
The mandarin dogfish is expected to feed on benthic fishes and certain invertebrates.
The species is ovoviviparous which means that they have ten young in a litter or five young for each uterus with no sexual disequilibrium. The embryos range in size from 213-233 mm TL. The females seem to display aplacental viviparity which means that the eggs hatch while they are still inside of the uterus.
