Port Jackson shark (Heterodontus portusjacksoni) fish species and information / pictures of Port Jackson shark - Heterodontus portusjacksoni

Port Jackson shark (Heterodontus portusjacksoni) fish species information

Scientific Name
Heterodontus portusjacksoni

Common Name
Port Jackson shark

Biology
A common shark of the continental shelves (Ref. 9838), from close inshore at the intertidal zone to 275 m (Ref. 6871). Segregates by sex and maturity stage (Ref. 6871). Nocturnal, hides in caves and rocky gullies during the day (Ref. 6871). Feeds on benthic invertebrates, primarily echinoderms (Ref. 247). Oviparous (Ref. 50449). Eggs with spiral flanges but lack tendrils (Ref. 6871). Undergoes yearly migrations to spawning sites during breeding season (Ref. 247). Considered harmless to people, but can deliver a painful nip when provoked (Ref. 247).

Classification

Classified By

Meyer, 1793

Class

Sharks and Rays (Elasmobranchii)

Order

Bullhead and Horn sharks (Heterodontiformes)

Family

Bullhead / horn / Port Jackson sharks (Heterodontidae)

Distribution

Region

Western Pacific

Distribution

Western Pacific: southern Australia (including Western Australia) and one record from New Zealand. Heterodontus bona-spei from South Africa probably refers to this species.

Range

27°S - 44°S, 112°E - 154°E

Environment

Climate

Subtropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

0 m

Depth To - meters

275 m

Zone

demersal

Environment

Marine; demersal; oceanodromous (Ref. 51243); depth range 0 - 275 m (Ref. 26346)

Trophic Level

3.45 s.e. 0.48 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

165 cm

Common Length

137 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5059 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: public aquariums

Vulnerability

Very high vulnerability (86 of 100)

Resilience

Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (tm=8-10; Fec=10)

Threat To Humans

Traumatogenic (Ref. 247)

IUCN Red List Status

Least Concern (LC)