New 🐟 Mercury Safety Guide & Omega-3 Rankings Updated for 2026. View Omega-3 Rankings →

🌊 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

Diet information for Crested hornshark is currently being compiled.

🥚 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

👥 Community & Contribute

Aquareap Community Observations
0 Observations logged on Aquareap

No observations yet - be the first to log one!

View all observations for Crested hornshark ↗
Suggest an Edit

Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.

Link to a scientific paper, FishBase, or other authoritative source
Report an Issue

Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.