Family BrachaeluridaeFamily Brachaeluridae
Blind sharksBlind sharks
ClassificationClassification
• Kingdom Animalia
• Phylum Chordata
• Class chondrichthyes
• Order
• Family Brachaeluridae
• 2 Genera
• 2 species
2 species2 species
• Brachaelurus waddi- blind shark
• Heteroscyllium colchoughi – bluegrey carpet shark
Anatomical characteristics of the Anatomical characteristics of the familyfamily
• 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
HabitatHabitat
• West South Pacific
• Off Australia
• From intertidal to 100m
• In shore coral reefs
• Rocky shoreline
Food habitsFood habits
• Small fish, crustaceans, cuttlefish, sea anemones
• Nocturnal feeders
ReproductionReproduction
• Ovoviviparous
• B. waddi 7-8 young in November
• H. colcloughi -6-8 young
B. waddiB. 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. colcloughiH. colcloughi
• Max = 75cm
• Greyish/blue dorsal surface
• Young’s caudal fin has black markings
• Very shallow inshore areas
• Red list- vulnerable/ rare