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