#Finfact: The bluegrey carpetshark (also known as Colclough's shark), is endemic to Australia. Brachaelurus colcloughi is a pretty uncommon grey-brown colored carpet shark, and prefers shallow, inshore waters off northeastern Australia. A bottom-dweller, it has a pale colored underside and juveniles have black and white markings on their dorsal side including fins that fade once they age. A nocturnal animal, they use their distinctive barbels protruding from each nostril to hunt for benthic invertebrates and bony fishes! Reaching up to 76 cm (30 in) long, they have the unique ability to close their eyes when taken out of the water... sounds like another shark we know, no? Yup, just like their relation, the blind shark (Brachaelurus waddi). They are viviparous with yolk-sac and give birth to 6–7 pups. The IUCN has assessed these animals as Vulnerable (VU) due to their small population size (estimated to be <10,000 mature individuals). Scientists think this number may be declining. Some good news, though: Moreton Bay Marine Park is protected, and these areas may help the conservation of this species. EVER HEARD OF THE ANIMAL?GLOSSARY
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AuthorTFUI Founder Melissa C. Marquez is author of all animal bios and "Behind the Fins" segments. SEE MELISSA'S TEDx TALK HERE:
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