Port Jackson Shark

Hi! I’m a Port Jackson Shark 

Port Jackson Sharks occur off southern Australia, where they live on rocky bottoms, sometimes amid seagrass. They feed on urchins, molloscs, crustaceons, and fishes. Unlike most other sharks, Port Jackosn Sharks don't need to swim to force water across their gills, but are able to pump it. This allows them to eat and breathe at the same time, and to lie still on the bottom for extended periods.

The National Zoo & Aquarium is home to 3 Port Jackson Sharks: Lola, and Clyde.

Port Jackson Shark  Facts

Taxonomy

Heterodontus portusjacksoni

Population Movement

Stable

Current Animals

Clyde, Lola

Life Span (captive)

Unknown

Weight

6-16kg

Reproduction

The breeding season is usually late winter and into spring. At this time, divers regularly observe sharks congregating in caves, under ledges and in gutters.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Group Count

2

Life Span (wild)

25-30

Size

1.65m

Gestation

13 months

Distribution

Freshwater streams, lagoons, and rivers of the Northern Territory in Australia, and New Guinea