Port Jackson Shark (Heterodontus portusjacksoni)

The Port Jackson shark is a nocturnal, bottom dwelling ‘bullhead’ shark endemic to the Great Southern Reef. These sharks grow up to 1.65m and can live for more than 30 years. They usually live at depths of less than 100 metres but have been known to go as deep as 275 metres. The shark's territory is habitually on or near the sea bottom, which is also its feeding area. They use the seagrass areas to camouflage with their pattern markings. Port Jackson sharks are a nocturnal species and are most active right in the middle of the night. These sharks have a small mouth containing small molar-like teeth in the rear of the mouth to crush prey which may be urchins, crustaceans, molluscs or small fish. During the day, when they are usually not active, they can be found in flat areas which offer some shelter from currents including caves or near other sheltering positions such as rocky outcrops. Port Jackson sharks are similar to others of their genus, bearing a broad, blunt, flat head, an anal fin, and crests above its eyes. They are often mistaken for crested horn sharks (which only live across Australia’s East coast). Identification of this species is very easy due to the pattern of harness-like markings that cross the eyes and run along the side of the shark. They also have a spine in front of both dorsal fins. Similar to what has been done on seadragons, whale sharks and manta rays researchers are now starting to use photo identification technology on PJ sharks by using photos of the topside of their heads.