Port Jackson shark – Heterodontus portusjacksoni

The Port Jackson Shark – Heterodontus portusjacksoni is a distinctive shark species found in the coastal waters of Australia. Known for its unique appearance and slow-moving nature, this shark plays a crucial role in the marine ecosystem.

Description & Characteristics

The Port Jackson Shark exhibits a distinctive appearance, with a stout, rounded body and a blunt head. Its coloration varies from grey to brown, often with dark blotches and spots. Its most striking feature is the presence of two prominent dorsal fins, the first being much larger than the second. The Heterodontus portusjacksoni has a broad, flat head with a wide mouth lined with rows of small, sharp teeth. The Port Jackson Shark can reach a maximum size of 165.0 cm.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Port Jackson Shark is a bottom-dwelling species, found in a range of marine zones, including rocky reefs, sandy bottoms, and seagrass meadows. They are primarily found in coastal waters, and their depth range extends from 0.0 to 275.0 meters. The Heterodontus portusjacksoni is commonly encountered in the temperate waters of Australia, primarily along the coast of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.

Taxonomy

The Heterodontus portusjacksoni is a member of the Class: Elasmobranchii, which encompasses all sharks, rays, and skates. It is further classified within the Order: Heterodontiformes, a group of ancient sharks with unique characteristics. The Heterodontus portusjacksoni belongs to the Family: Heterodontidae, which includes a small number of species known for their distinctive teeth and bottom-dwelling habits.

Feeding

The Port Jackson Shark is a carnivore with a diet primarily composed of benthic invertebrates. This means it feeds on creatures that live on or near the seafloor. Their diet includes a wide variety of prey items, such as clams, crabs, lobsters, rock lobsters, rock shrimps, shrimps, sea urchins, sepia, snails, and starfish. The Heterodontus portusjacksoni uses its strong jaws and sharp teeth to crush and consume these prey. The shark’s feeding habits contribute to the balance of the marine ecosystem by regulating populations of these invertebrate species.