ANIMAL SPECIES:Crested Horn Shark, Heterodontus galeatus (Günther, 1870)
The Crested Horn Shark resembles the Port Jackson Shark, which has a harness-like pattern on the sides of the body and lower ridges above the eyes. It is found from shallow inshore waters, down to depths of around 90 m, feeding off echinoderms, crustaceans, molluscs and small fishes.
Identification
The Crested Horn Shark has a blunt head with a prominent ridge above both eyes. It has two tall dorsal fins that are each preceded by a stout spine.
The species is grey to brown with large dark blotches. It resembles the Port Jackson Shark, which has a harness-like pattern on the sides of the body and lower ridges above the eyes.
Size range
The Crested Horn Shark grows to 1.5 m in length. Males mature at about 60 cm in length. Females mature at about 70 cm.Distribution
The Crested Horn Shark is endemic to Australia, occurring from southern Queensland to southern New South Wales.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Crested Horn Shark specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
It has been recorded from shallow inshore waters, down to depths of around 90 m.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
Dietary items include echinoderms, crustaceans, molluscs and small fishes.
Life cycle
Males mature at about 60 cm in length. Females mature at about 70 cm.
Mating and reproduction
It is an egg-laying species (oviparous). Females lay dark brown spiraled egg cases that are usually seen attached by tendrils to seaweed. The egg cases of Port Jackson Sharks look similar but lack tendrils. Young Crested Horn Sharks hatch from the egg case after about eight months at about 22 cm in length.
Classification
- Species:
- galeatus
- Genus:
- Heterodontus
- Family:
- Heterodontidae
- Order:
- Heterodontiformes
- Class:
- Chondrichthyes
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Glover, C.J.M. in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437. Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 1994 Sharks and Rays of Australia. CSIRO. Pp. 513.
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A Crested Horn Shark at Macquarie Lighthouse View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
A female Crested Horn Shark at Avalon Beach View full size
Peter Cave
© Peter Cave
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