The southern sawtail catshark (Galeus mincaronei) is a species of catshark, part of the family Scyliorhinidae, endemic to southern Brazil. It inhabits deepwater reefs on the upper continental slope at a depth of . Reaching at least in length, this slim-bodied species closely resembles the Antilles catshark (G. antillensis). It has a prominent crest of enlarged dermal denticles along the dorsal edge of the caudal fin, as well as a distinctive color pattern of dark oval blotches, outlined in white, along its back. The southern sawtail catshark is oviparous, with females producing reddish egg capsules. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed it as Vulnerable; it is often taken as bycatch and may be threatened by intensifying squid fishing. Taxonomy The first known specimens of the southern sawtail catshark were caught in a series of experimental fish traps set off Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 1988. Initially identified as Galeus antillensis, the species was described in a 2001 issue of the scientific journal Mare Magnum by Jules Soto, who named it after Michael Maia Mincarone for his contributions to the Museu Oceanográfico do Vale do Itajaí. The type specimen is an adult male long. The southern sawtail catshark closely resembles G. antillensis, and with it belongs to the G. arae species complex along with G. arae, G. cadenati, and G. springeri. In 2006, Getulio Rincon and Carolus Vooren reported that the range of morphometric variation in this species was greater than previously thought, casting doubt on the characters originally used to distinguish it from G. antillensis, such as the length of the pectoral fin margins. They recommended further study to resolve the status of the two species. Distribution and habitat The only Galeus species in the southwestern Atlantic, the southern sawtail catshark is found off the southern Brazilian states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, and may occur as far north as São Paulo. Its total range is estimated to encompass less than of area. This species has been recorded from between the depths of , but is most common below . Demersal in nature, it favors deepwater reefs on the upper continental shelf, that are rich in sea fans, hard corals, sponges, crinoids, and brittle stars. Description The largest known specimen of the southern sawtail catshark measured long. This species has a slender body and a moderately short, flattened head with a pointed