The Crested Bullhead Shark (Heterodontus Galeatus), also known as the Crested Hornshark, can be seen in Sydney but is certainly not as common. During the late winter and spring months they can be seen hunting the Port Jackson eggs. They look very similar to their similar Port Jackson shark cousin, but are slightly smaller (1.2m) and have rounded fins. I often find that these are solitary sharks whereas the Port Jacksons always seem to be in bigger groups. As with most sharks in Australia the Crested Bullhead shark is harmless. This shark species are in a group called Heterodontiformes and are the only group of living sharks that combine fin spines on two dorsal fins and an anal fin.
Breeding:
The Crested Bullhead shark female reaches sexual maturity at about 12 years old and will lay up to 10 eggs per year (during late winter). Little is known about these sharks but it is believed that their eggs hatch at about 8 months.
The Crested Bullhead shark female reaches sexual maturity at about 12 years old and will lay up to 10 eggs per year (during late winter). Little is known about these sharks but it is believed that their eggs hatch at about 8 months.
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Spotting the Difference
It can be difficult to identify the Crested Bullhead because it looks so much like a Port Jackson shark. However, if you look closely at the pictures here on the right you will see easy ways to spot the differences. The Port Jackson has a more noticeable 'harness' marking on their side behind their gills and has a dark line tracing down towards their tail, whereas the Crested Bullhead markings are blotchy and less distinctive (as shown in the pictures on the right, where the top one is of a Port Jackson and the one below is a Crested Bullhead). |
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