Australian swellshark [Cephaloscyllium laticeps]
Description
The Australian swellshark, also known as the draughtboard shark, is a species of carpet shark in the family Scyliorhinidae. It is found in the southeastern Indian Ocean and the southwestern Pacific Ocean off the coast of Australia. The species is known for its ability to inflate its body to appear larger when threatened. Its most distinguishing features include its mottled coloration, large pectoral fins, and its large size, reaching lengths of up to 1.5 m.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Cartilaginous Fish
Chondrichthyes
|
| Order |
Carpet Sharks
Orectolobiformes
|
| Family |
Blind Sharks
Brachaeluridae
|
| Genus |
Bluegrey Carpetsharks
Heteroscyllium
|