blotchy swell shark
A species of catshark (Cephaloscyllium umbratile) found in the northwestern Pacific. The Japanese name literally means 'seven-day shark', possibly from an old belief about its gestation or behavior.
I saw a blotchy swell shark at the aquarium.
Katakana spelling is standard for this species name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling exists but is rarely used; the katakana form is strongly preferred.
Usually written 七日鮫, “seven-day shark,” from the traditional claim that it can remain alive for seven days after being taken from the water.