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