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🌊 Marine Least Concern ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Traumatogenic 🌡️ Temperate

Crested hornshark

Heterodontus galeatus Günther, 1870
Max Length
152 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
12 yrs
Trophic Level
3.7
Depth
0–93 m
Climate
Temperate
Resilience
Very low
Vulnerability
87.00/100
Typical Length
122 cm
Depth Zone
reef

📖 Overview

A moderately common benthic and epibenthic shark found on the continental shelf . Occurs from close inshore to about 93 m depth . Feeds primarily on sea urchins, but also on crustaceans, mollusks, and small fishes . Oviparous, egg cases spirally flanged and with long tendrils . Hatches at about 22 cm .

Scientific Name
Heterodontus galeatus
Authority
Günther, 1870
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Temperate
Body Shape
Elongated
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
152 cm
Lifespan
12 years
Depth Range
0–93 m
Trophic Level
3.7
Resilience
Very low
Vulnerability
87.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 2; Anal spines: 0. Body with broad blackish bands or saddle markings .: elongated.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Crested hornshark is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous

Oviparous, paired eggs are laid. Embryos feed solely on yolk . Distinct pairing with embrace .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 93 m . Temperate; 27°S - 35°S, 150°E - 155°E

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🪸 Reef Associated
Trophic Level
3.7±0.53
Food Items

sea urchins, but also on crustaceans, mollusks, and small fishes (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00372 × L3.15 (TL)
Max TL
152cm
Dorsal Spines
2

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2024

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Very low
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
87.00/100
Very High vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.7
Predator
Body Shape
Elongated
Climate Zone
Temperate
Described By
Günther, 1870

⚠️ Venom Profile

Medical Warning: This species is venomous. Seek immediate medical attention if envenomated. Contact emergency services and follow first aid guidance below.
Venom Type
proteinaceous neurotoxin
Delivery
dorsal, anal, and pelvic fin spines
Potency
Severe
Mortality Risk
Low
Symptom Onset
5min
Duration
24.0hrs
Antivenom
✗ Not Available
Named Toxins
high-molecular-weight protein (Stonustoxin analogue) acetylcholine
Symptoms
  • immediate intense pain
  • swelling
  • erythema
  • occasional nausea and weakness
Affected Body Systems
peripheral nervous system cardiovascular
First Aid
Immerse affected area in hot water (45 C, tolerable) for 30-90 minutes to denature toxin. Do not apply ice.
Medical Treatment

Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.

References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature

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