General Description

Body almost eel-like, with a rounded head, a small underslung mouth and short fleshy nasal barbels; two dorsal fins of similar size, well back on the body, the first arising between the pelvic and anal fins. Greyish to brownish with indistinct dark saddles and pale spots on body; a distinctive broad black collar speckled with small white spots behind head. To 92 cm (more usually seen around 50 cm).

Biology

Although relatively common, this nocturnal species hides in caves, crevices, under ledges and amongst kelp beds during the day, and is rarely seen. It feeds mostly on shellfish. Little is known of the biology of these egg-laying (oviparous) sharks.

Distribution

Southern Australia, from Lakes Entrance, Victoria, to Dongara, Western Australia.

Habitat

Rocky reefs bays, estuaries and coastal waters, in depths of 3-180 m.

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