swell shark

Picture from Monterey Bay Aquarium

The swell shark (Cephaloscyllium ventriosum) is a nocturnal catshark found in the Eastern Pacific, from California to southern Mexico, and off central Chile. Commonly found at 5 to 40 m deep, it has been recorded as deep as 457 m. They are an oviparous species and is targeted for the aquarium trade. As the IUCN says, "Gathering information on both the potential impact of the marine aquarium trade and the little-known Chilean population should be a top priority as no information currently exists."

For now, the IUCN has assessed these animals as Least Concern (LC). They are a sluggish, nocturnal shark that prefers areas that are rocky, algae-filled, and shallow. They grow up to 35 - 43  (90 - 110 cm) inches long, and are ambush predators! They are a yellow-brown color with dark blotches and white spots on their dorsal side, with large mouth to get its yummy food: small reef fishes and invertebrates. Sometimes these mischievous loners go into lobster traps for an easy meal.

When it isn't filling it's stomach with food, it can fill it with water to seem bigger than it actually is (hence the common name, 'swell shark'). #Finfact: The swell shark can make a dog-like bark, too, as well as curving it's body into a U-shape. The swell shark is oviparous.

EVER HEARD OF THIS CRITTER?

GLOSSARY

• Dorsal fin: Fin located on the back.
• Dorsal side: The top of an animal.
• IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature.
• Nocturnal: Active at night.
• Oviparity/oviparous: Where adult Chondrichthyans lay eggcases (also known as ‘mermaid’s purses) and the baby develops inside the egg before hatching.​

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