Animal Species:Blind Shark, Brachaelurus waddi (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)

Identification

The Blind Shark has a slightly flattened head, small eyes and a nasal barbel projecting from both nostrils. It has two dorsal fins that are close together and located well back on the body. The small anal fin is located just before the long caudal fin.

The species is brown to black on top and yellowish below. It often has light spots and about eleven dark saddles across the back.

Size range

It grows to 1.2 m in length.

Similar Species

Distribution

It occurs from southern Queensland to southern New South Wales.

Distribution by collection data

Biomaps map of Blind Shark specimens in the Australian Museum collection.

What does this mean?

Habitat

The Blind Shark lives in shallow coastal waters. Juveniles are often seen in high-energy surge zones, whereas adults are usually seen during the day in caves and under ledges.  It occurs in depths ranging from the intertidal zone down to 140 m.

Feeding and Diet

It feeds at night on invertebrates and small fishes.

Danger to humans and first aid

It is a harmless species.

Classification

Species:

waddi

Genus:

Brachaelurus

Family:

Brachaeluridae

Order:

Orectolobiformes

Class:

Chondrichthyes

Subphylum:

Vertebrata

Phylum:

Chordata

Kingdom:

Animalia

What does this mean?

References

1. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
2. Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.
3. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
4. Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 1994 Sharks and Rays of Australia. CSIRO. Pp. 513.

Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated: 8 August 2011

Tags fishes, ichthyology, Blind Shark, Brachaelurus waddi, Brachaeluridae,