WHAT TO LOOK FOR
A stout broad-headed, small-eyed shark with seven gill slits and a single dorsal fin situated far back on its body.

COLOR
Pale gray above; white below. Small black spots on body.

SIZE
Maximum size for this species is thought to be 9.5 ft [2.9 m], possibly more. Males mature at 4.8 to 5.9 ft [1.5 to 1.8 m] and reach a length of 7.4 ft [2.26 m] or more. Females mature at 6.3 to 6.8 ft [1.92 to 2.08 m] and reach a length of at least 9.45 ft [2.88 m].

TEETH
Teeth of the upper jaw are blunt and pointed; teeth of the lower jaw are large broad and saw-like with 5 or 6 distal cusplets.

HABITAT
Marine, benthic, neritic on continental shelves from the surface to 150 ft [46 m]. This is a coastal species commonly found in shallow bays.

DISTRIBUTION
Temperate seas.

BIOLOGY

• Prey – Bony fishes, rays and other sharks

• Reproduction – Ovoviviparous. Litters may contain up to 82 pups. Size at birth is 18 to 21 inches [45 to 53 cm].

BEHAVIOR
This is an active, strong shark. It moves inshore at high tide, and retreats off-shore at low tide. Most specimens are seen cruising near the bottom, but they may also be found at the surface. Juveniles are frequently found in shallow water close to shore.

DISPOSITION
Danger to humans – unknown. The shark is aggressive when provoked. In Australian and New Zealand waters this shark is regarded as dangerous.