TM
Common Names:
Brownbanded Bamboo Shark, Grey Carpet Shark
Scientific Name: Chiloscyllium punctatum
Size: Up to 1.2m
Found in: Indo-West Pacific region, also found off the southern coast of New Guinea and northern coast of Australia (Northern Territory, Western Australia, and Queensland).
Population Status: Near Threatened (IUCN 2007)
Tooth Shape:
Bamboo Shark teeth are modified into crushing plates.
Reproduction:
Oviparous - Egg Layers
Eggs hatch after approx. 3 months
Pups are born with brown bands over their body, which fade with age to a brown/grey colour, hence the name 'Bamboo Shark'
Interesting Facts:
Bamboo Sharks can survive in low oxygen conditions by switching off non-essential brain functions, an adaptation for hunting in tide pools with low oxygen. They can survive up to 12 hours out of water.
© David Harasti
