Port Jackson Sharks are found in Sydney Harbour.
Common name: Port Jackson Shark
Scientific name: Heterodontus portusjacksoni
Photo: G. McNeil
Port Jackson Sharks belong to a group called Horn Sharks. Find out how they got their name. How are they different from other sharks?
Sharks
Port Jackson Shark
Port Jackson Sharks live on rocky reefs close to the coast. They can be found down to depths of 275 m.
Female Port Jackson Sharks wedge their eggs in rock ledges so they don't wash away.
Port Jackson Sharks eat small bony fishes, crabs, lobsters, octopuses and sea urchins.
Port Jackson Sharks' front teeth are small and pointed for holding and breaking prey. Their back teeth are broad and flat, perfect for crushing and grinding prey.
Port Jackson Sharks can grow up to 1.65 m long.
Port Jackson Sharks catch their food by using their sense of smell to detect prey.
Port Jackson Sharks lay about 10 - 16 eggs on onshore reefs. After laying her egg the female wedges it in a rock ledge.
Port Jackson Sharks are harmless, but should not be handled because they have spines.
Copyright © Australian Museum, 2003
