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🌊 Marine Data Deficient ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Traumatogenic 🌡️ Deep-water

Whitespotted bullhead shark

Heterodontus ramalheira Smith, 1949
← All Species
Max Length
64 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.5
Depth
40–305 m
Climate
Deep-water
Resilience
Low
Vulnerability
60.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
deep-water

📖 Overview

Whitespotted bullhead shark (Heterodontus ramalheira), first described by Smith, 1949 is a large fish in the family Heterodontidae (order Heterodontiformes). Adults typically reach 64.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 40 to 305 metres. It occurs in Deep-water waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Data Deficient.The species is venomous and potentially dangerous to handle.

Scientific Name
Heterodontus ramalheira
Authority
Smith, 1949
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Deep-water
Body Shape
Elongated
IUCN Status
DD
Max Length
64 cm
Depth Range
40–305 m
Latitude
26°S – 22°N
Trophic Level
3.5
Resilience
Low
Vulnerability
60.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Elasmobranchii
Elasmobranchii
Order
Heterodontiformes
Heterodontiformes
Family
Heterodontidae
Heterodontidae
Genus
Heterodontus
Heterodontus
Species
Whitespotted bullhead shark
Heterodontus ramalheira

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 2; Anal spines: 0. Dark red-brown with scattered white spots .: elongated.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Whitespotted bullhead shark is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous

Oviparous . Distinct pairing with embrace .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal; depth range 40 - 305 m , usually 100 - ? m . Deep-water; 22°N - 26°S, 30°E - 60°E South Africa (Ref.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🌑 Deep Water ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
3.5±0.6
Food Items

crabs (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00372 × L3.15 (TL)
Max TL
64cm
Dorsal Spines
2

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Data Deficient
Assessment Date
2018

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Low
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
60.00/100
High vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.5
Predator
Body Shape
Elongated
Climate Zone
Deep-water
Latitude Range
22°N – 26°S
Described By
Smith, 1949

⚠️ 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

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

Scientific Synonyms

Scientific Name Author Year Status
Gyropleurodus ramalheira Smith 1949 Synonym

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 4 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

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