The Brownbanded Bambooshark, scientifically known as Chiloscyllium punctatum, is a distinctive species of catshark found in the Indo-Pacific region. This fascinating marine creature is characterized by its slender, cylindrical body and an intriguing pattern of brown bands that adorn its skin. The Brownbanded Bambooshark is a relatively small shark, with a maximum recorded size of 132.0 cm. Its intriguing appearance and adaptable nature have made it a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts, contributing to its recognition among marine life enthusiasts.
Description and Characteristics
Chiloscyllium punctatum is distinguished by its slender, cylindrical body, which tapers towards the tail. Its dorsal fins are positioned relatively far back on the body, adding to its unique profile. The shark’s coloration features a base of pale brown or grey, adorned with a striking series of brown bands that wrap around its body, giving it its common name. These bands, often described as “tiger-like”, provide camouflage for the shark as it blends seamlessly with its surroundings. The Brownbanded Bambooshark’s eyes are large and dark, situated on the top of its head, and its snout is short and rounded. This shark possesses a prominent pair of barbels, located near its mouth, which it uses to detect prey on the seabed. The Brownbanded Bambooshark’s ventral surface, which is exposed as it rests on the ocean floor, is a lighter shade of white, providing additional camouflage.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Brownbanded Bambooshark exhibits a preference for shallow, coastal waters, typically inhabiting depths ranging from 0.0 to 85.0 meters. This species is commonly found in association with landward-facing reefs and tide pools, where its camouflage effectively blends with the rocky surroundings. The Brownbanded Bambooshark occupies a variety of marine zones, including the subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans. Its presence extends from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth, demonstrating its adaptability to diverse oceanic environments. The shark’s neritic habitat further emphasizes its preference for these coastal and shelf areas, where it thrives in the presence of abundant prey.
Taxonomy
The Brownbanded Bambooshark, Chiloscyllium punctatum, is classified within the Class: Elasmobranchii, Order: Orectolobiformes, and Family: Hemiscylliidae. This family, known as the “bamboo sharks”, is characterized by its slender, cylindrical bodies and the presence of two dorsal fins positioned far back on the body. The family Hemiscylliidae comprises approximately 15 species, all of which are found in tropical and subtropical waters.
Distribution and Occurrence
Chiloscyllium punctatum is native to the Indo-Pacific region, with a distribution that spans a vast geographical area. Its range extends from the eastern coast of Africa to the western Pacific Ocean, encompassing countries such as South Africa, Madagascar, the Philippines, and Indonesia. The Brownbanded Bambooshark exhibits a preference for shallow, coastal waters, typically inhabiting depths ranging from 0.0 to 85.0 meters. This species is commonly found in association with landward-facing reefs and tide pools, where its camouflage effectively blends with the rocky surroundings. The Brownbanded Bambooshark occupies a variety of marine zones, including the subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans. Its presence extends from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth, demonstrating its adaptability to diverse oceanic environments. The shark’s neritic habitat further emphasizes its preference for these coastal and shelf areas, where it thrives in the presence of abundant prey.
Feeding
The Brownbanded Bambooshark is a carnivorous predator, primarily feeding on a diet of benthic invertebrates, which means it preys on creatures that live on the ocean floor. Its diet includes a variety of crustaceans, such as crabs and shrimps, as well as mollusks like clams and cephalopods, such as sepia. The shark’s barbels, located near its mouth, play a crucial role in its feeding strategy, enabling it to detect prey buried in the sediment. The Brownbanded Bambooshark’s opportunistic feeding habits make it an important component of the marine ecosystem, contributing to the balance of its benthic environment.
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