Port Jackson Shark

Heterodontus portusjacksoni

UncommonHeterodontidaeHarmlessRegional endemic

ID points

A dark harness-shaped band on the flanks, running up over the back
A thick stiff spine in front of each of the two dorsal fins
Blunt squared head with prominent ridges above the eyes

Basics

Family: Heterodontidae
Length: 100–165 cm
Depth: 1-275 m
Regions: Indo-Pacific reefs
Distribution: Inshore rocky reefs and seagrass beds of Australia
Habitat: Rocky reefs and seagrass beds
Diet: Sea urchins, molluscs

Easily confused with

CatsharkNarrow cat-like eyes with a nictitating membrane

SawsharkLong saw-like snout, with the teeth alternating long and short

Arrow CrabCarapace a sharp triangle, with a long spiny snout

Fun fact

The Port Jackson shark has a distinctive pig like snout and ridged crushing teeth, made for cracking open sea urchins and shellfish. It is found only in Australia, makes a regular seasonal migration every year, and the female wedges her spiral shaped egg cases into rock crevices to hold them fast.

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