Heterodontus japonicus

(Miklouho-Maclay & Macleay, 1884)

Vernacular names
English : Japanese bullhead shark
French : Requin-dormeur japonais

Classification
Class : Elasmobranchii
Order : Heterodontiformes
Family : Heterodontidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to 1,20 m. Mouth located low at tip of snout and protrusive. First dorsal and pectoral fins are long and dark, with round tips. Visible spines at base of dorsal fins. Light brown with alternating broad and thin dark bands.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, from Japan (including Ogasawara Islands) and Korean peninsula to east China and Taiwan. Lives in rocky reefs and kelp-covered substrates, from 6 to 125 meters deep.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is common in most of its range except Taiwan. It is caught by fisheries as bycatch and usually released. Rarely caught for the trade.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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