Yes, they're quite real. In fact it's one of the largest shark families out there, with around 160 species.
But are they catty? No, but they are fond of cat's-eyes. Chiefly because of their own eyes are very cat-like in appearance. Not everyone seems to think so though, as some species of catsharks are also know as dogfish for some reason. Of course, no species of this family has been observed barking or meowing...yet.
One humorous characteristic of catsharks is that tooth regeneration in the lower jaw of juveniles is dependant on the sonic hedgehog protein (that's what it's called).
Quite fitting too, since shark teeth grow really quickly. Gotta bite fast!
But are they catty? No, but they are fond of cat's-eyes. Chiefly because of their own eyes are very cat-like in appearance. Not everyone seems to think so though, as some species of catsharks are also know as dogfish for some reason. Of course, no species of this family has been observed barking or meowing...yet.
One humorous characteristic of catsharks is that tooth regeneration in the lower jaw of juveniles is dependant on the sonic hedgehog protein (that's what it's called).
Quite fitting too, since shark teeth grow really quickly. Gotta bite fast!