Balloon shark
📖 Overview
Found on the continental shelf and upper slope, preferring areas with sand and mud bottoms . Feeds on benthic animals, mainly crustaceans and cephalopods, but also bony fishes, and other elasmobranches . Oviparous . Can expand with air when disturbed .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0. A comparatively large, stout catshark with a broad, rounded snout and no labial furrows; 2nd dorsal much smaller than 1st . Pale grey-brown, paler below; juveniles with about 6 slightly darker saddles on the dorsal side which fade and become unmarked in adults .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Balloon shark is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Balloon shark is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, laying one egg-case per oviduct . Embryos feed solely on yolk .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 40 - 600 m . Tropical; 19°S - 28°S South Africa (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
benthic animals, mainly crustaceans and cephalopods, but also bony fishes, and other elasmobranches
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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