Guide to Shark Identification
Order Heterodontiformes —
Bullhead Sharks
Bullhead sharks typically inhabit rocky reefs and are restricted in range to the Pacific and Indian oceans. All heterodontoids share the following characteristics:
stout spine along leading edge of both dorsal fins - anal fin present
- distinct brow ridge above each eye
- pig-like snout
- small mouth completely anterior to eyes
- caudal fin with conspicuous subterminal lobe
Family Heterodontidae — Bullhead Sharks
Horn Shark (Heterodontus francisci)
What to Look For:
- body and fins peppered with small, dark spots
- range restricted to Pacific coasts of North and South America, from Southern California and Baja to Columbia and perhaps Ecuador
Size: average length 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimetres), maximum 4 feet (1.2 metres)
Habitat: Intertidal, Sandy Plains, Rocky Reefs, Kelp Forests
Distribution: Tropical Eastern Pacific, ?Chilean
Ecological profile of Horn Shark
Port Jackson Shark (Heterodontus portusjacksoni)
What to Look For:
- dark bar under eye and dark harness-like markings on flanks
- range restricted to southern parts of Australia; occasional strays from southern Queensland and northern Western Australia; a single record from New Zealand
Size: average length 2 to 3 feet (60 to 100 centimetres), maximum 5.5 feet (1.4 metres)
Habitat: Intertidal, Sandy Plains, Rocky Reefs, Kelp Forests
Distribution: Western Australian, Southeastern Australian/New Zealand, Northern Australian
