australian confused shark new_zealand australian shark species family endemic southern australia dwelling species found continental shelf depth usually measuring long stout bodied broad headed shark short tail dorsal fin larger second identified dorsal coloration brown gray patches numerous spots australian mainly nocturnal individuals remaining local area year feeds small crustaceans cephalopods fishes threatened responds rapidly taking water air body shark females lay pairs egg day intervals eggs hatch months harmless little commercial interest australian caught incidentally usually survive released extreme result assessed species concern taxonomy scientific description australian published french zoologist scientific journal revue type specimen long male caught tasmania specific epithet derived latin meaning broad meaning head common names species include reference ability swell shark shark rock shark joe spotted species identical shark new_zealand species differ coloration form egg cases versus smooth description australian rounded body significantly short caudal head comprises fifth total length broad moderately flattened short thick blunt snout nostrils divided small openings short triangular flaps skin reach mouth mouth extremely large furrows corners teeth numerous small multiple upper teeth exposed mouth closed large oval eyes placed somewhat upper surface head rudimentary membranes protective ridges underneath dorsal fins larger second dorsal originates forward half pelvic fin bases second located anal fin pectoral fins large broad anal fin larger second dorsal fin short broad caudal fin indistinct lower lobe prominent ventral notch near tip upper lobe skin thick covered shaped dermal denticles sparse young sharks sides light gray brown irregular pattern close set darker dark light spots dark stripe eye pectoral fin origins fins sharply lighter margins underside cream colored fins dark stripe running middle adults maximum known length exceed distribution habitat australian inhabits continental shelf southern australia archipelago western_australia bay new south wales including tasmania commonly found near rocky reefs beds close shore depth biology ecology abundant species coastal waters southern australia australian generally sluggish swimmer active night day found resting singly groups inside caves tracking studies shown individuals continuously active months time alternate activity periods stationary rest lasting days australian present given region tend remain year round established feeding areas preferred habitats hand minority sharks recorded covering distances extremely hardy species survive day water higher level predators ecosystem australian feeds crustaceans particularly crabs rock cephalopods including squid octopus small fishes large sized prey tends long periods rest exhibited sharks relate like members genus shark capable rapidly body taking water air stomach defense predators include larger fishes shark marine mammals shark able wedge inside harder swallow simply predator marine known prey shark eggs australian serves host number parasite species poorly documented life history australian males larger teeth females bite hold specific mating season uncertain terms sperm production males capable breeding year round females single functional single egg time store sperm months females produce eggs year laying pairs approximately days january june days rest year second egg pair deposited hours pale shaped egg measure long bear ridges long corners allow female attach capsule structures captivity embryo develops external gills months old retained months old time internal gills appears months growth yolk sac begins shrink disappearing months age hatching usually occurs months newly emerged young miniature versions adults measuring long males mature sexually length females human interactions australian harmless humans seldom utilized recently parts tasmania begun marketed source regarded habit entering traps eat contents year substantial numbers australian caught southeast australian shark fishery animals usually released likely suffer minimal mortality species present faces little risk fisheries listed concern commercial fisheries reported drops australian catches appeared resulted changing fishing habits actual population declines precaution government tasmania instituted possession limit sharks person sharks boat day
Australian swellshark