Port Jackson Shark

Common Name: Port Jackson Shark
Scientific Name: Heterodontus portusjacksoni
Family: Heterodontidae
Found: QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS, SA, WA
Common Length: less than 1 m
Maximum Length: 1.6 m

Port Jackson sharks inhabit coastal Australian waters from southern Queensland south to the central coast of Western Australia including Tasmania. Generally found on protected reefs and adjacent sandy, weedy or muddy areas. They are non-aggressive and are usually found resting on the bottom among rocks or under large ledges, sometimes congregating in small groups. They are most active at night and often seek refuge in caves or rocky outcrops during the day.

Port Jackson Sharks have distinctive crests above their eyes. They have a flat snout and two large dorsal fins each tipped with a venomous spine. They are best identified by their distinctive harness-like markings that cross the eyes, run along the back to the first dorsal fin and drop down the side of the body where they form a small triangle above the pectoral fin.

Confusing Species: Crested Horn Shark

Found in most coastal waters of NSW the Crested Horn Shark is similar in size and shape to the Port Jackson but differs in having much higher crests above the eyes and distinctly white gill slits. However the main difference is the blotchy nature of the Crested Horn Sharks markings compared to the well defined, harness-like markings of the Port Jackson Shark.