Zebra bullhead shark (Heterodontus zebra)

General data

Main name: Zebra bullhead shark
Climates: Tropical, Subtropical
Habitat: Saltwater
Native: Asia, Australia & Oceania
Distribution: Pacific Ocean, Indian ocean

Classification

Genus: Heterodontus - Heterodontus
Family: Heterodontidae - Heterodontidae
Order: Heterodontiformes - Bullhead and horn sharks
Class: Elasmobranchii - Sharks and Rays
Superclass: Chondrichthyes - Cartilaginous fishes

Description

The zebra bullhead shark (Heterodontus zebra) is a bullhead shark of the family Heterodontidae found in the central Indo-Pacific between latitudes 40°N and 20°S, from Japan and Korea to Australia. It is typically found at relatively shallow depths down to 50 m (160 ft), but off Western Australia, it occurs between 150 and 200 m (490 and 660 ft). It can reach a length of 1.25 m (4.1 ft). The reproduction of this bullhead shark is oviparous. These sharks receive their name due to their bull-like appearance because of the heavy brown bones present over each eye. The taxon of the zebra bullhead shark is small but has had a fossil record that has been traced back closely to the beginning of the Mesozoic era. The zebra bullhead shark is of minimal interest to commercial fisheries and game fishing. However, due to the unique and attractive color pattern of these sharks they are a part of the aquarium trade around the world. These organisms are known to be carnivores and feed on a range of organisms including sea urchins and crustaceans. The prey they feed on can be found in rocky reefs and kelp forests where zebra bullhead sharks live.

Zebra bullhead shark (Heterodontus zebra)

General data

Classification

Description

Taxonomy of Fishes