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Family Brachaeluridae. Blind sharks. Classification. Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class chondrichthyes Order Family Brachaeluridae 2 Genera 2 species. 2 species. Brachaelurus waddi- blind shark Heteroscyllium colchoughi – bluegrey carpet shark.
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Family Brachaeluridae Blind sharks
Classification • Kingdom Animalia • Phylum Chordata • Class chondrichthyes • Order • Family Brachaeluridae • 2 Genera • 2 species
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 hasblack markings • Very shallow inshore areas • Red list- vulnerable/ rare