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Discovering the Blind Sharks: Unique Members of the Brachaeluridae Family

The Brachaeluridae family consists of intriguing blind sharks, which include two species: Brachaelurus waddi (Blind Shark) and Heteroscyllium colcloughi (Blue-Grey Carpet Shark). Characterized by small transverse mouths, large spiracles, and unique color patterns, these nocturnal feeders inhabit coral reefs and rocky shorelines in the West South Pacific, primarily around Australia. They are ovoviviparous, with B. waddi giving birth to 7-8 young, while H. colcloughi has 6-8. Although H. colcloughi is listed as vulnerable, both species highlight the rich biodiversity of marine ecosystems.

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Discovering the Blind Sharks: Unique Members of the Brachaeluridae Family

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  1. Family Brachaeluridae Blind sharks

  2. Classification • Kingdom Animalia • Phylum Chordata • Class chondrichthyes • Order • Family Brachaeluridae • 2 Genera • 2 species

  3. 2 species • Brachaelurus waddi- blind shark • Heteroscyllium colchoughi – bluegrey carpet shark

  4. Anatomical characteristics of the family • Small transverse mouth in front of eyes • Large spiracles behind eyes • 2 spineless dorsal fins • Anal fin just before caudal fin • Short precaudal tail • Long barbels • Blue/grey or, brown color with spots • 1.2 m long

  5. Habitat • West South Pacific • Off Australia • From intertidal to 100m • In shore coral reefs • Rocky shoreline

  6. Food habits • Small fish, crustaceans, cuttlefish, sea anemones • Nocturnal feeders

  7. Reproduction • Ovoviviparous • B. waddi 7-8 young in November • H. colcloughi -6-8 young

  8. B. waddi • Brown on dorsal surface with white spots • Dark saddles on young • East Australia • nocturnal • Hides in caves and under ledges during day. • Rocky shores and reefs • Red list-least concern

  9. H. colcloughi • Max = 75cm • Greyish/blue dorsal surface • Young’s caudal fin hasblack markings • Very shallow inshore areas • Red list- vulnerable/ rare

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