Brachaelurus waddi
Blind Shark
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Elasmobranchii
Order
Orectolobiformes
Family
Brachaeluridae
Genus
Brachaelurus
Species
Brachaelurus waddi
Colours
Distinguishing features
Distinguishing features still need to be specified.
Size
- Up to 122 cm and averaging 64 cm (Total length)
Depth range
- From 0 m to 140 m - applies to Most commonly found in the intertidal and subtidal zones.
Synonyms
Interesting facts
- This shark is not actually blind but gets its common name from its habit of retracting its eyeballs, which causes its thick eyelids to close, when removed from water.
Distribution
Distribution and habitat preferences
The blind shark is a sluggish, nocturnal shark that hides in caves and under ledges during the day, and comes out at night to feed. Inhabiting rocky shorelines and reefs, and also nearby seagrass beds. Juveniles often occupy ledges, crevices and seagrass beds in high-energy surge zones. Can be found close inshore in tide pools (barely deep enough to keep it covered) and is capable of living out of water for extended time periods.
Behaviour
The sensory barbels that hang down from their snout are used to detect prey items by "taste" and feel. (John Turnbull)
