Port Jackson Shark

Heterodontus portusjacksoni

Phylum

Chordata

 Port Jackson Shark

Class

Chondrichthyes

Order

Heterodontiformes

Family

Heterodontidae

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common names :

Port Jackson shark, Bulldog shark, Oyster crusher shark, Tabbigaw, Pigfish.
Diet : Small soft-bodied fish, oysters, shell fish, sea urchins and crustaceans.
Reproduction : Oviparous : Females will lay two eggs every fortnight during August and September. The young take between 9 and 12 months to hatch.
Size : Maximum 1.7 metres  Average female 1.2 metres Average male 1 metres

 

Distribution of Port Jackson Shark Distribution : Found mainly in South- Western Australia from Queensland to the mid-west. Also known to inhabit the waters of Tasmania and very occasionally found off New Zealand. These sharks prefer shallow water and can often be seen resting in caves or next to rocks. Groups will often migrate according to water temperature and for mating.

 

Danger to man : Harmless, although if handled may bite.
Economic Importance : Good aquarium species.
Other Comments : This nocturnal shark has been studied and tagged extensively. The Port Jackson shark can have a vast migratory range of over 500 miles for breeding.