Heterodontus portusjacksoni

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Port Jackson Shark
Port Jackson Shark
Species	Heterodontus portusjacksoni
Difficulty	Difficult
Min. Tank Size	3,785.412 liters 3,785,411.78 mL 1000 US Gallons (3785.4L)
Size	167.64 cm 60-66 " (152.4-167.6cm)
pH	8.1 - 8.4
Temp.	295.372 K 22.222 °C 531.67 °R 298.706 K 25.556 °C 537.67 °R72 -78 °F (22.2-25.6°C)
Water Hardness	8-12
Stocking Ratio	1:1 M:F
Availability	Rare
Diet	Carnivore Pellet Foods Live Foods Other (See article)
Life Span	15-25 years

[edit] Alternative names

Port Jackson Shark

[edit] Sexing

Mature females are larger than mature males, males have visible claspers. Not known to breed in captivity. Males become sexually mature around 8 to 10 years of age and females around 11 to 14 years of age.

[edit] Tank compatibility

This is a predatory shark that will kill and eat any invert or fish it can catch. Best in large species tanks.

[edit] Diet

Can be difficult to feed and may only take live food. After time may be weaned on to shellfish, chopped crustaceans, squid and shrimp.

[edit] Feeding regime

Feed once a day.

[edit] Environment Specifics

This fish requires an exceptionally large tank and is best only reserved for those who can maintain public-aquarium sized tanks, and with the experience to maintain the correct water quality as this fast-growing shark is sensitive to changes.

[edit] Behaviour

A voracious hunter with sharp teeth to match, generally harmless to larger fish or human hands unless provoked, it can inflict a nasty bite.

Port Jackson sharks have the ability to eat and breathe at the same time. This ability is unusual for sharks which mostly need to swim with the mouth open to force water over the gills. The Port Jackson shark can pump water into the first enlarged gill slit and out through the other four gill slits. By pumping water across the gills, the shark does not need to move to breathe. It can lie on the bottom for long periods of time.

[edit] Identification

An elongate shark with a slender tail and large head. The eyes are located near the top of the head, while the mouth is almost downward pointing with a rounded nose. It is brown in colour with a palr belly and with black bands and markings irregularly down the body. The Port Jackson has one spine on each of its two dorsal fins which can cause serious injury.

[edit] Pictures

Port Jackson Shark

[edit] External links

• Fishbase
• Marine Depot Live
• Amonline