Port Jackson shark
📖 Overview
A common shark of the continental shelves , from close inshore at the intertidal zone to 275 m . Segregates by sex and maturity stage . Nocturnal, hides in caves and rocky gullies during the day . Feeds on benthic invertebrates, primarily echinoderms . Oviparous . Eggs with spiral flanges but lack tendrils . Undergoes yearly migrations to spawning sites during breeding season . Considered harmless to people, but can deliver a painful nip when provoked .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 2; Anal spines: 0. Harness-like narrow dark stripes on back .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Port Jackson shark is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Port Jackson shark is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous. Distinct pairing with embrace . Undergoes yearly migrations to breeding sites. Females lay about 10 to 16 (commonly 10-12) eggs in rock crevices on shallow sheltered reefs at depths of 1-5 m (rarely 20-30 m) during August and September (rarely in July and October). In captivity, females lay 2 eggs a day every 8-17 days. Eggs are hatched after 9-12 months and young then move into nursery areas in bays and estuaries. After the breeding season, males move into deeper waters followed by the females in late September or October.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; oceanodromous ; depth range 0 - 275 m . Subtropical; 23°S - 44°S, 112°E - 154°E South Africa probably refers to this species.
🌿 Ecology
benthic invertebrates, primarily echinoderms (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cestracion heterodontus | Sherrard | 1896 | Synonym |
| Heterodontus bonaespei | Ogilby | 1908 | Synonym |
| Heterodontus philippi | Bloch & Schneider | 1801 | Synonym |
| Squalus jacksoni | Suckow | 1799 | Synonym |
| Squalus philippi | Bloch & Schneider | 1801 | Synonym |
| Squalus philippinus | Shaw | 1804 | Synonym |
| Squalus portusjacksoni | Meyer | 1793 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 9 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Port Jackson shark ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.