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Blind shark (Brachaelurus waddi) — Brachaeluridae

Blind shark

Brachaelurus waddi

The Blind shark (Brachaelurus waddi) is a saltwater fish of the family Brachaeluridae that grows up to 122 cm.

Length
122 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–140.0 m
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The blind shark is a small bottom shark (Brachaeluridae) from coastal waters of eastern Australia. The species grows to about 1.2 metres and has a stocky, brownish body with barbels and small eyes. Its name comes from the habit of closing its eyelids when caught, not from actual blindness. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it lives among rocks and reef crevices of shallow coastal water and eats small invertebrates and small fish. It tolerates some time out of water. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blind shark?

The Blind shark has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Blind shark live?

The Blind shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Blind shark get?

The Blind shark grows to a maximum of about 122 cm. On average the species is around 62 cm.

Is the Blind shark dangerous to humans?

No, the Blind shark is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Blinde haai sourced
English name
Blind shark sourced
Scientific name
Brachaelurus waddi
Family
Brachaeluridae
Other names
Blind shark; Brown catshark; Dusky dogfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
122.0 verified
Average length (cm)
62.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
140.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Brachaelurus

More from the family Brachaeluridae

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