Cephaloscyllium albipinnum

Cephaloscyllium albipinnum, commonly known as the white-fin swell shark, is a small benthic shark species endemic to the waters around Taiwan and southern Japan. This distinctive elasmobranch belongs to the catshark family and is characterized by its ability to inflate its body when threatened, a defensive mechanism typical of swell sharks. The species inhabits shallow coastal waters and continental shelf areas, typically found at depths ranging from nearshore environments to moderate depths on rocky reefs and sandy bottoms.

Like other catsharks, it is oviparous, laying eggs in protective cases attached to substrate. The white-fin swell shark faces severe population pressures primarily due to intensive fishing activities in its limited range. Commercial and artisanal fishing operations frequently capture this species as bycatch in bottom trawls, gillnets, and other fishing gear targeting commercially valuable species.

The species' restricted geographic distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, as population declines in one area cannot be easily compensated by immigration from other regions. Habitat degradation from coastal development, pollution, and climate change further compounds the pressures on remaining populations. Currently, there are limited specific conservation measures in place for this species, though it may benefit from general marine protected areas and fishing regulations within its range.

Enhanced monitoring of population trends and implementation of species-specific conservation strategies are needed to prevent further decline of this critically endangered shark.

This species inhabits shallow coastal waters and continental shelf environments around Taiwan and southern Japan. It typically occurs on rocky reefs and sandy bottoms from nearshore areas to moderate depths.