Japanese bullhead shark; bullhead shark
Refers specifically to Heterodontus japonicus, a small bottom-dwelling shark found in Japanese waters. Sometimes used more broadly for other bullhead sharks.
I saw a Japanese bullhead shark at the aquarium.
ネコザメは夜行性で、昼間は岩陰に隠れていることが多い。
The Japanese bullhead shark is nocturnal and often hides in rock crevices during the day.
Usually written in katakana; the kanji form 猫鮫 is rare.
Kanji spelling; rarely used in practice.
Compound of 猫 (neko, 'cat') and 鮫 (same, 'shark'), from the cat-like shape of its head. The exact origin of the name is uncertain.