Saddled swellshark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saddled swellshark |
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| Conservation status | |
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Cephaloscyllium
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| Species: |
variegatum
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The saddled swellshark (Cephaloscyllium variegatum) is a special type of catshark. It belongs to the family called Scyliorhinidae. This shark is found only in Eastern Australia. It lives on the ocean floor, usually on the outer continental shelf and upper continental slope. This means it lives in deep waters, from about 115 to 605 meters (377 to 1,985 feet) down.
This shark has a strong body. It has a short, wide, and flat head with a big mouth. Adult saddled swellsharks have dark saddle-like patterns on their brownish or grayish bodies. The colors can change depending on whether the shark lives in warm (tropical) or cooler (temperate) waters. Young sharks are light-colored with many spots. This shark can grow up to 74 cm (29 in) long. Like other swellsharks, it can puff itself up with water or air. This helps it look bigger and scare away predators. It lays eggs to reproduce.
Contents
About the Saddled Swellshark
How it Got its Name
In 1994, scientists Peter Last and John Stevens found five new types of swellsharks in Australia. Later, Peter Last and William White described the saddled swellshark in 2008. Its scientific name, variegatum, comes from a Latin word meaning "various." This name was chosen because the shark has many different color patterns. The first saddled swellshark studied was a 68 cm (27 in) long male. It was found east of Newcastle, New South Wales.
What the Saddled Swellshark Looks Like
The saddled swellshark can grow to about 74 cm (29 in) long. It has a sturdy body and a short, flat head. Its snout is round, and it has skin flaps near its nostrils. Its eyes are high on its head, and it has tiny holes called spiracles behind them.
Its mouth is large, with many small teeth. Each tooth has three points, with the middle one being the longest. Females have smaller central points on their teeth than males. When its mouth is closed, some of its upper teeth can still be seen. It has five gill slits, which are openings for breathing. The last two gill slits are shorter and are located above its pectoral fins.
Fins and Skin
The saddled swellshark has large, wide pectoral fins. Its first dorsal fin (on its back) is somewhat pointed. It starts above the middle of its pelvic fins. The second dorsal fin is much smaller and lower. Its anal fin is larger and deeper than the second dorsal fin. The caudal fin (tail fin) is deep and has a clear lower part.
Its body is covered in tiny, arrowhead-shaped scales called dermal denticles. These scales feel rough, like sandpaper.
Colors and Patterns
The saddled swellshark is usually brownish or grayish on top. It has about 11 darker saddle-like marks along its body and tail. Sharks from warmer waters often have clearer saddle patterns. Those from cooler waters have fainter saddles and lighter spots. The underside of the shark is light-colored, sometimes with a few dark marks. Young saddled swellsharks are pale with many dark brown spots.
Where the Saddled Swellshark Lives
The saddled swellshark lives off the eastern coast of Australia. It can be found from Rockingham Bay in Queensland down to Tathra in New South Wales. It might also live near the Britannia Seamount, close to Brisbane. This shark lives on the ocean floor. It prefers the outer continental shelf and the upper continental slope. This means it lives in deep waters, from 115 to 605 meters (377 to 1,985 feet) below the surface.
Life Cycle and How it Defends Itself
How it Defends Itself
Like other swellsharks, the saddled swellshark has a special way to protect itself. When it feels threatened, it can quickly fill its stomach with water or air. This makes its body swell up, making it look much bigger. This trick helps to scare away predators or makes it harder for them to bite or swallow the shark.
Reproduction
The saddled swellshark lays eggs. Its eggs are inside smooth, brownish capsules. These capsules are about 7 cm (2.8 in) long. The egg case is thick and round. It has flat edges and two horns at each end. These horns have very long, curly threads. These threads help the egg case attach to rocks or seaweed on the ocean floor.
The smallest young shark ever found swimming freely was 17 cm (6.7 in) long. Male saddled swellsharks become ready to reproduce when they are about 55 to 60 cm (22 to 24 in) long.
Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the saddled swellshark as "Near Threatened." This means that while it's not in immediate danger, it could become threatened if more information isn't gathered. Currently, not much fishing happens where these sharks live. However, if fishing increases in their habitat, this shark could be at risk. This is because it seems to be rare and lives on the ocean floor, making it easier to catch by accident.
See also
In Spanish: Cephaloscyllium variegatum para niños
