Crested Hornshark

The Crested Hornshark (Heterodontus galeatus) is very similar in appearance to the Port Jackson Shark. The differences are in the shape of the eyes, the Crested Hornshark has a much higher ridge above the eye and it also lacks the definite dark bared  triangle behind the gills that the Port Jackson sports. The body coloration is light grey with dark blotches all long the body and a eye bar running along the top of the crests all the way down the sides of the head.

The Crested Hornshark has two large spines one on each dorsal fin these are usually venomous and are used as defence against predators, and maybe all so in matting,  to fend off other male sharks. I have seen Crested Hornsharks with  spines that have been broken off, I am not aware if the grow back. Like all Horn sharks, the Crested Hornshark lays eggs. These are spiral in design with long tendrils and can be found wedged into cracks in rocks or anchored to kelp or weeds.

Size: 120 cm Maximum length

Diet: Sea Urchins, crustaceans and fish.