| Family: |
Heterodontidae (Bullhead, horn, or Port Jackson sharks) |
| Max. size: |
165 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 275 m, oceanodromous |
| Distribution: |
Western Pacific: southern Australia (including Western Australia) and one record from New Zealand. Heterodontus bona-spei from South Africa probably refers to this species. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 2-2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0. Harness-like narrow dark stripes on back (Ref. 9838). |
| Biology: |
A common shark of the continental shelves (Ref. 9838), from close inshore at the intertidal zone to 275 m (Ref. 6871). Segregates by sex and maturity stage (Ref. 6871). Nocturnal, hides in caves and rocky gullies during the day (Ref. 6871). Feeds on benthic invertebrates, primarily echinoderms (Ref. 247). Oviparous (Ref. 50449). Eggs with spiral flanges but lack tendrils (Ref. 6871). Undergoes yearly migrations to spawning sites during breeding season (Ref. 247). Considered harmless to people, but can deliver a painful nip when provoked (Ref. 247). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 February 2015 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
traumatogenic |
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