happy eddie species belonging family endemic temperate waters coast south_africa common shark found near sandy rocky habitats zone depth typically reaching length slender flattened body head patterned series dark edged bright orange numerous small white spots formally described considered alternate form threatened members genus circle tail covering eyes giving rise local names predator feeds mainly crustaceans worms small bony fishes shark females deposit egg singly pairs underwater structures harmless humans usually discarded commercial recreational alike small size assessed entire population located limited area affected local increase fishing pressure habitat degradation taxonomy phylogeny known reference literature prominent english naturalist major individuals caught cape good hope lost french zoologist described species edwards based edwards account considered proposing true scientific german zoologist friedrich translated description receiving species discovered swiss naturalist provided earlier translation text proper scientific subsequently rendered decision species properly attributed american zoologist created new genus species forms recognized cape differed appearance habitat preferences form described new species phylogenetic analysis based mitochondrial dna genes found basal member family sister relationship clade containing dark brown included study close species common refers widely distributed african similar coloration happy eddie scientific academics shark recently introduced public easily remembered alternative ambiguous apply different species research efforts description slender short broad flattened head narrowly rounded snout large oval shaped eyes cat like pupils simple membrane protective prominent ridge underneath nostrils large pair greatly expanded triangular flaps skin fused reach mouth deep groove connecting outflow opening mouth obscured nasal flaps mouth short furrows corners jaws tooth rows upper jaw tooth rows lower jaw tooth shape sexually males longer pointed females shorter pointed unusually halves lower jaw connected special allows distribution teeth increase bite strength pairs gill slits positioned somewhat upper surface body dorsal pelvic anal fins similar size dorsal fins located far body originating pelvic fin origins second anal fin origin pectoral fins broad moderate size short broad caudal fin comprises fifth body length deep ventral notch near tip upper lobe barely developed lower lobe skin thick covered leaf shaped dermal denticles dorsal coloration consists light dark brown background series striking yellowish reddish brown darker margins covered small white spots underside white species length maximum record sharks found west smaller found east reaching long distribution habitat range limited continental shelf coast south_africa western shore bay previous records found far north thought species dwelling shark common sandy rocky bottoms found progressively deeper water northeastern portion range cape_town distribution pattern reflect shark preference cooler waters biology ecology common small range sluggish seen lying sea floor individuals rest predator known variety small benthic prey crustaceans including crabs shrimp shrimp crabs worms including bony fishes including jack cephalopods including squid fish overall important component shark diet crustaceans followed fishes males prefer females prefer crustaceans observed attacking common octopus octopus tearing arm twisting motion preyed larger fishes shark cape fur seal documented capturing playing air shark injured killed encounters seal eat torn pieces flesh seldom entire shark occasion black backed advantage behavior steal sharks seals threatened disturbed adopts characteristic posture ring covers eyes tail reaction basis common names likely meant shark harder predator swallow eggs fed captivity known parasites species include blood skin parasite stage mouth gills deep penetrating larvae significantly damage local tissue causing bleeding life history distinct breeding season reproduction occurs year round females deposit egg time vertical structures sea fans thin walled egg cases brown distinctive pale transverse bands slightly texture long corners smaller species measuring long young shark months measures long length maturation sexes reported sources high degree variation reflect regional differences sharks deeper waters eastern range mature larger size west age maturation estimated years maximum lifespan years human interactions harmless humans easily caught hand targeted commercial fisheries small size taken incidentally discarded operating fishing boats hooked recreational casting shore generally kill minor local exploitation species occur bait trade assessed remains abundant small range shark lies entirely heavily region increase fishing activities habitat degradation potentially impact entire population
Puffadder shyshark