Family Brachaeluridae Blind sharks
Classification Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class chondrichthyes Order Family Brachaeluridae 2 Genera 2 species
Brachaelurus waddi- blind shark Heteroscyllium colchoughi – bluegrey carpet shark
Anatomical characteristics of the family Small transverse mouth in front of eyes Large spiracles behind eyes 2 spineless dorsal fins Anal fin just before caudal fin Short precaudal tail Long barbels Blue/grey or, brown color with spots 1.2 m long
Habitat West South Pacific Off Australia From intertidal to 100m In shore coral reefs Rocky shoreline
Food habits Small fish, crustaceans, cuttlefish, sea anemones Nocturnal feeders
Reproduction Ovoviviparous B. waddi 7-8 young in November H. colcloughi -6-8 young
B. waddi Brown on dorsal surface with white spots Dark saddles on young East Australia nocturnal Hides in caves and under ledges during day. Rocky shores and reefs Red list-least concern
H. colcloughi Max = 75cm Greyish/blue dorsal surface Young’s caudal fin has black markings Very shallow inshore areas Red list- vulnerable/ rare