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A Port Jackson Shark and Wobbegong Shark
A Port Jackson Shark and Wobbegong Shark

A Port Jackson Shark and Wobbegong Shark

Photographer (born 1935)
Date1953-2000
Object numberANMS1458[466]
NamePhotographic slide
MediumColour transparency film, paper
DimensionsOverall (Inc carrier): 50 × 50 mm
Copyright© Valerie Taylor
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Valerie Taylor in memory of Ron Taylor
DescriptionThe Port Jackson Shark (Heterodontus portusjacksoni) is a bullhead shark from the family Heterodontidae, identifiable by the “harness-like” markings through its face and along its back. This locally iconic species is endemic to temperate waters of Australia and known for their screw shaped eggs that occasionally wash up on beaches. Port Jackson Sharks are nocturnal, benthic predators which use their bony teeth plates to feed on a variety of crustaceans, molluscs and sea urchins. The family Orectolobiformes (order Orectolobidae) contains 12 extant species of carpet sharks commonly known as wobbegongs. Wobbegong sharks are known for their distinctive fringed or lobed “beard” around their mouth. They are found in the shallow waters of the Indo Pacific region, especially Australia. They have a mottled pattern on their skin, which allows them to camouflage on the seafloor among rocks and seaweed where they can hide from danger and ambush fish for prey.