ANIMAL SPECIES:Japanese Bullhead Shark, Heterodontus japonicus (Maclay & Macleay, 1884)
The Japanese Bullhead Shark can be recognised by its pattern of broad saddles or bars on the body.
Identification
The Japanese Bullhead Shark can be recognised by its pattern of broad saddles or bars on the body.
The related Zebra Horn Shark, Heterodontus zebra has narrower dark bars on a very pale body. The Zebra Horn Shark has been recorded from Japan, Korea, China, Vietnam, Indonesia and the north-west shelf of Western Australia.
Distribution
It has been recorded from Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan.
Habitat
The species occurs in shallow marine waters.
Living with us
Economic/social impacts
The Japanese Bullhead Shark in the image was photographed in an aquarium at the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market: Tsukiji Market. Thank you to Dr K. Matsuura and Dr K. Sakamoto for confirming the identification of this species and for their generous assistance at the Tsukiji Market.
Classification
- Species:
- japonicus
- Genus:
- Heterodontus
- Family:
- Heterodontidae
- Class:
- Chondrichthyes
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Compagno, L.J.V. 1984. FAO species catalogue. Vol. 4, Sharks of the World. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of shark species known to date. Part 1 - Hexanchiformes to Lamniformes: viii, 1-250.
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