NSW DPI
Identifying
sharks and rays
A guide for
NSW commercial fishers
Important
If a shark or ray cannot be confidently
identified using this guide, it is
recommended that either digital images are
obtained or the specimen is preserved.
Please contact NSW DPI research staff for
assistance: phone 1300 550 474 or
email information-advisory@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Contents
2
Introduction
How to use this guide
Glossary
4
5
6-7
Key 1 Whaler sharks and other sharks of similar appearance
to whalers – upper precaudal pit present
8-9
Key 2 Sharks of similar appearance to whaler sharks – no
precaudal pit
10
Key 3 Mackerel (great white and mako), hammerhead and
thresher sharks
11
Key 4 Wobbegongs and some other patterned
bottom-dwelling sharks
12
Key 5 Sawsharks and other long-snouted sharks and rays
13
Sandbar shark
Bignose shark
Dusky whaler
Silky shark
Oceanic whitetip shark
Tiger shark
Common blacktip shark
Spinner shark
Blue shark
Sliteye shark
Bull shark
Bronze whaler
Weasel shark
Lemon shark
Grey nurse shark
Sandtiger (Herbst’s nurse) shark
Bluntnose sixgill shark
Bigeye sixgill shark
Broadnose shark
Sharpnose sevengill shark
Dark-tailed dogfishes
White-tailed dogfishes
Southern dogfish
Harrisson’s dogfish
Endeavour dogfish
Gummy shark
Pencil shark
School shark
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
Great white shark
Porbeagle
Shortfin mako
Longfin mako
Thresher shark
Pelagic thresher
Bigeye thresher
Great hammerhead
Scalloped hammerhead
Smooth hammerhead
Eastern angelshark
Australian angelshark
Banded wobbegong
Ornate wobbegong
Spotted wobbegong
Draughtboard shark
Saddled swellshark
Whitefin swellshark
Port Jackson shark
Crested hornshark
Southern sawshark
Common sawshark
Green sawfish
Shark ray
Eastern fiddler ray
White-spotted guitarfish
Eastern shovelnose ray
Giant shovelnose ray
Index
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70 -71
3
Introduction
Many shark and ray species are caught by commercial fishing
operations in New South Wales (NSW) waters and refined catch
information is vital for the successful management of these species.
T
his guide is designed to assist commercial
fishers identify sharks and rays potentially
encountered in NSW waters. Sharks and rays
not usually retained for commercial purposes
have not been included in this guide.
Catch reporting arrangements for NSW
commercial fishers require that any sharks
and rays landed are correctly identified and
recorded to the species or genus level using
the codes provided by NSW Department of
Primaries Industries (NSW DPI).
This guide contains simple, easy-to-use keys
that highlight certain external distinguishing
features for identification purposes. The
keys are further supported by detailed
species information and illustrations so that
identification can be made with confidence.
If a landed shark or ray cannot be
confidently identified using this guide, it is
recommended that either digital images
are obtained or the specimen is preserved.
Please contact NSW DPI research staff for
assistance. Details may be found inside the
front cover.
References for this guide:
Compagno, LJV 1984. FAO
Species Catalogue, Vol. 4, Sharks
of the World. An annotated and
illustrated catalogue of sharks
known to date. FAO Fisheries
Synopsis No. 125.
Daley, RK, Stevens, JD, Last, PR
and Yearsley, GK 2002. Field
Guide to Australian Sharks & Rays.
CSIRO Marine Research, Hobart,
Australia. 84pp.
Last, PR and Stevens, JD 1994.
Sharks and Rays of Australia.
CSIRO, Melbourne, Australia.
513pp.
McAuley, R, Newbound, D
and Ashworth, R 2002. Field
identification guide to
Western Australian Sharks and
Shark-like Rays. Department
of Fisheries, Perth, Western
Australia. (ISBN: 1 877098 03 5)
35pp.
NSW DPI commercial line fishing
observer program, 2007-2008.
4
How to use this guide
In designing this guide, a basic level of general knowledge is assumed about the different
types of sharks and rays encountered in NSW waters. Once a shark or ray has been caught
and requires identification, choose the most appropriate key from the list below – refer to
the glossary on page 6 for terminology. Keys can be found on pages 8-13.
Key 1 Whaler sharks and other sharks of similar appearance to whalers – upper precaudal
pit present
Key 2 Sharks of similar appearance to whaler sharks – no precaudal pit
Key 3 Mackerel (great white and mako), hammerhead and thresher sharks
Key 4 Wobbegongs and some other patterned bottom-dwelling sharks
Key 5 Sawsharks and other long-snouted sharks and rays
To begin identification start at
the blue box and work your way
through the key by assessing the
primary distinguishing features
until you identify the species.
Tips
In the case of the whalers and
similar sharks, the primary
distinguishing features include:
the presence or absence of obvious
physical features such as an upper
precaudal pit, interdorsal ridge or
dorsal fin spines; the relative sizes
and/or positions of the dorsal fins;
and the size and shape of the upper
teeth. Correct assessment of these
main distinguishing features via the
keys should result in correct species
identification.
With some obvious exceptions, colouration and
known distribution should not be considered
reliable primary distinguishing features – they
should only be considered as secondary
features. For example, most whaler sharks can
vary in upper body colouration between light
grey and bronze, and so a bronzy coloured shark
is not necessarily a ‘bronze whaler’. Similarly,
a whaler with black tips on its fins is not
necessarily a ‘common blacktip shark’.
Subsequently, turn to the
appropriate page number of that
species as indicated on the key and
consider some of the secondary
distinguishing features (which might
involve teeth, body patterning
or some of the primary features
mentioned above), so that initial
identification can be confirmed with
a higher degree of confidence.
The primary distinguishing features of each
species are highlighted in orange throughout
the illustrated pages of this guide.
The known distribution of a species is just that
– the known geographical distribution – and
not a definitive boundary. Not enough is known
about the distribution of sharks and rays in NSW
waters to be able to use such information with
absolute accuracy.
It should be noted that, in general, the most useful
four features to look at in the case of most whalers
and similar sharks is the presence or absence of an
upper precaudal pit, interdorsal ridge, or dorsal fin
spine; and the size and shape of the upper teeth.
The larger teeth either side of the midpoint of
the upper jaw are the teeth to inspect.
5
Glossary
anal fin
barbel
caudal fin
caudal peduncle
conical
crest
cusp
cusplets
denticles
single fin located on the underside behind the pelvic fins
a slender sensory skin projection on the snout of some species
tail fin
the section behind the anal fin connecting the body to the tail
cone-shaped
hardened ridge of skin above the eyes of some species
the main visible part of the tooth
small secondary projections next to the main cusp of tooth
very small tooth-like plates that form the abrasive surface on the skin
dorsal
dorsal fins
dusky
fin origin
flank
free rear tip (of fin)
inner margin (of fin)
interdorsal ridge
refers to the upper surface of the shark
fins on upper surface
graded and/or inconsistent grey to black colouration
the forward-most point of attachment of a fin
side of the body
rear tip of loose flap behind the fin attachment
edge between the fin attachment and the free rear tip
raised ridge of skin between the 1st and 2nd dorsal fins
keel
lateral
leading edge (of fin)
margins (of fins)
pectoral fins
pelvic fins
precaudal pit
serrated
skin lobe
spiracle
sub-apical
tassels
solid lateral fin-like projection – associated with caudal peduncle
refers to the side of the shark
forward-facing edge
leading or trailing edges
located on underside of the head in sharks / forms the disc in rays
paired fins located behind the pectoral fins
notch-like indentation at the base of the caudal (tail)
saw-like or jagged
projection or flap of skin
a respiratory opening behind the eyes of some species
below the tip
thin, branched skin lobes
trailing edge (of fin) rear-facing edge
translucent
underside/ventral
upper body
6
allows light through but not totally transparent
refers to the undersurface of the shark
refers to the body surfaces above the level of the pectoral fins
Identifying parts of the shark
1st
dorsal fin
Interdorsal ridge
fin origin
pectoral fins
pelvic fins
anal fin
caudal
(tail) fin
lower tail lobe
‘dusky’ tipped
snout
upper
tail lobe
2nd
dorsal fin
free rear tips
gill slits
upper
precaudal pit
‘dipped in paint’
SHAPE OF SNOUT
nostril
mouth
blunt
short and
rounded
long and
rounded
pointed
7
8
Yes
No
Spinner
shark
(p21)
Common blacktip
shark
(p20)
In such cases the teeth are the best
distinguishing feature
sizes larger than about 130 m long
may lack fin markings
* Note that common blacktip sharks of
Yes
No
Sandbar
shark
(p14)
Yes
No
Yes
Bignose
shark
(p15)
No
Dusky whaler
(p16)
Yes
Silky shark
(p17)
No
Upper teeth broad and triangular with
gently-curving, serrated edges
No
Tiger shark
(p19)
Yes
Stripey pattern on body; distinctive teeth with one
edge deeply notched and the other strongly curved
1st dorsal fin origin well forward of the
free rear tips of the pectoral fins
No
Height of the 1st dorsal fin
greater than half the length
between the 1st dorsal fin
origin and the tip of the snout
Oceanic whitetip
shark
(p18)
Yes
White tips on 1st dorsal
and pectoral fins
Anal fin looks like it has been dipped
in black paint; and teeth are quite
small for the size of the shark
Yes
Distinct black tips on most fins *
No
INTERDORSAL RIDGE
KEY 1: Whaler sharks and other sharks of similar appearance to whalers – upper precaudal pit present
KEY 1
No
No
Endeavour
dogfish
(p38)
Dark-tailed
dogfishes
(p34)
Yes
No
Harrisson's dogfish
(p37)
Yes
Southern dogfish
(p36)
No
Blue
shark
(p22)
Yes
Yes
Bull shark
(p24)
Yes
Bronze whaler
(p25)
No
Yes
No
Grey nurse Sandtiger
shark
shark
(p28)
(p29)
Yes
1st and 2nd dorsal fins
the same size and
brown spots on body
Lemon shark
(p27)
No
Upper teeth with one edge
coarsely-serrated (comb-like)
and the other edge smooth
No
2nd dorsal fin origin closer to pelvic
fin free rear tips than to anal fin origin
Weasel shark
(p26)
Yes
Upper teeth broad and
triangular with quite
straight, serrated edges
No
1st dorsal fin
origin well
behind the free
rear tips of the
pectoral fins
No
Height of the 2nd
dorsal fin at least
half that of the
1st dorsal fin
Yes
Sliteye
shark
(p23)
No
Length of pectoral
fins greater than
twice the height of
the 1st dorsal fin
White-tailed
dogfishes
(p35)
No
Tail with smudgy dark patch
on it and its trailing edge
Small white/pale spot in the middle of the
upper surface of the head
Yes
Height of the 2nd
dorsal fin more than
two-thirds the height
of the1st dorsal fin
Yes
Notched trailing edge
of upper lobe of the
tail rather than
smoothly curved
Yes
Spines extending from 1st and 2nd dorsal fin origins
KEY 1 continued
9
10
Yes
Yes
No
School shark
(p41)
Pencil shark
(p40)
Yes
Six gill slits
No
Bluntnose sixgill
shark
(p30)
Yes
Bigeye sixgill
shark
(p31)
No
Distance from the free rear tip of the
anal fin to the lower tail-lobe origin
equal to the distance from the free rear
tip of the pelvic fin to the anal fin origin
Gummy shark
(p39)
Yes
Height of the 2nd dorsal fin at least
half the height of the 1st dorsal fin
No
Small white spots all
over upper body
No
More than five gill slits
and only one dorsal fin
No
Sharpnose sevengill
shark
(p33)
Yes
Broadnose
shark
(p32)
Upper body peppered with dark and/or
white spots and small blotches
Yes
Seven gill slits
KEY 2: Sharks of similar appearance to whaler sharks – no precaudal pit
KEY 2
Yes
Yes
Great white shark
(p42)
Yes
Teeth large and broadly
triangular with straight,
serrated edges
No
Extremely long
upper tail lobe
No
Hammer-like head
(i.e. not pointed)
No
Porbeagle
(p43)
Yes
No
Shortfin mako
(p44)
Yes
Longfin mako
(p45)
No
Length of pectoral fin less than the distance between
the pectoral fin origin and the tip of the snout
Pelagic thresher
(p47)
Thresher shark
(p46)
Bigeye thresher
(p48)
Small secondary keel below the
caudal peduncle keel; cusplets
either side of dagger-like teeth
No
Smooth hammerhead
(p51)
No
Skin immediately above the base of the
pectoral fin pale or white in colour
Scalloped hammerhead
(p50)
Yes
Indentation (or notch) at centre of leading edge of the head
Yes
No
No
Yes
Deep groove from behind
eyes to above gills
Great hammerhead
(p49)
Yes
Height of 2nd dorsal fin equal to
or greater than height of anal fin
KEY 3: Mackerel (great white and mako), hammerhead and thresher sharks
KEY 3
11
12
No
Yes
No
Crested
hornshark
(p61)
Yes
Port Jackson
shark
(p60)
Dark, horizontal, harness-like
stripes along sides of body
Yes
Spines extending
from 1st and 2nd
dorsal fin origins
No
Numerous tassels
and small skin
lobes extruding
from upper lip
No
Draughtboard shark
(p57)
Yes
Numerous distinct small
dark dots throughout
upper body patterning
No
Flattened head, pectoral fins
and pelvic fins overlap
Spotted wobbegong
(p56)
Yes
Body patterning includes
clearly defined white rings
No
Yes
Ornate wobbegong
(p55)
Banded wobbegong
(p54)
Australian angelshark
(p53)
No
Saddled swellshark
(p58)
Yes
Whitefin swellshark
(p59)
No
More than four dark bands (of varying widths) on upper
body (including the tail) behind the 1st dorsal fin
Eastern angelshark
(p52)
Yes
Small thorns on skin between the eyes
No
Yes
Two warty lumps immediately above (behind) each eye
Wobbegongs
some other
patterned
bottom-dwelling
sharks
KEY 4:and
Wobbegongs
and some
other patterned
bottom-dwelling
sharks
KEY 4
No
No
Green sawfish
(p64)
No
Common sawshark
(p63)
Southern sawshark
(p62)
Yes
Eastern shovelnose ray
(p68)
Yes
Shark ray
(p65)
Eastern fiddler ray
(p66)
Yes
Giant shovelnose ray
(p69)
No
Only 2-3 small thorns in front of each eye; and
only 1-2 small thorns next to each spiracle
Yes
No
White-spotted guitarfish
(p67)
No
Rounded (circular) snout
Quite sharply-pointed snout (less than 90 degrees)
No
1st dorsal fin almost directly
above pelvic fins; and a
distinct lower tail lobe
Yes
Base of soft barbels closer to the eyes than to
the tip of the snout
Yes
Gill-slits on the
side of the head
instead of on the
underside; and
two soft barbels
on the snout
Yes
Saw-toothed snout
Sawsharks and
long-snouted
and rays
KEYother
5: Sawsharks
and othersharks
long-snouted
sharks and rays
KEY 5
13
NSW DPI code:
SHK-01
Sandbar shark
(Carcharhinus plumbeus)
2
3
1
interdorsal ridge
present
precaudal pit
present
D
istinguishing
fea
eatur
tures
es
Distinguishing features
•
•1
•2
•
•3
Interdorsalridgepresent
1stdorsalfinoriginwellforwardofthefreereartipsofthepectoralfins
Distinctivelytall1stdorsalfinrelativetobodysize
Relativelyroundedsnoutcomparedwiththebignoseshark
Upperteethbroadlytriangular;edgesserratedandonlyveryslightly
curved
Colouration
• Pale-bronzetogreyish-brownupperbody;paleunderside
• Finsusuallyhavenodistinctivemarkings
Size & Distribution
• Born~55-75cm;max~240cm
• UsuallydemersalinNSWcoastalandshelfwaterssouthtoatleast
Port Macquarie; and to about 280 m depth
14
NSW DPI code:
SHK-02
Bignose shark
(Carcharhinus altimus)
3
1
2
interdorsal ridge
present
precaudal pit
present
Distinguishing features
• Conspicuousinterdorsalridgepresent
1stdorsalfinoriginwellforwardofthefreereartipsofthepectoralfins
2• 1stdorsalfinnowherenearastallasthatofthesandbarshark
• Slightlylongerandmorebluntsnoutcomparedwiththesandbarshark
3• Upperteethbroadlytriangular;edgesserratedandmoreorlessstraight
1•
Colouration
• Bronzetolight-greyupperbody;verypaleunderside
• Upperfinscanhavequitedark,duskytips(mostlyinjuveniles)
Size & Distribution
• Born~60-75cm;max~300cm
• UncommonlyreportedfromnorthernNSWwaters
• Usuallydemersalinoutershelfandslopewatersatdepthsofbetween
80 and 430 m
15
NSW DPI code:
SHK-03
Dusky whaler
(Carcharhinus obscurus)
interdorsal ridge
present
2
1
precaudal pit
present
Distinguishing
fea
eatur
tures
es
Distinguishing features
• Lowinterdorsalridgepresent
•1 1stdorsalfinorigindirectlyaboveorjustbehindthefreereartipsof
the pectoral fins
•2 Upperteethbroadlytriangular;edgesserratedandgentlycurved(i.e.
no angular notch)
• Relativelyshort,roundedsnoutandthick(stout)bodycomparedwith
the similar silky shark
Colouration
• Bronzy-greytodark-greyupperbody;paleunderside
• Finswithindistinctduskytips,moredistinctinjuveniles
Size & Distribution
• Born~70-100cm;max.~365cm
• UsuallydemersalthroughoutNSWcoastalandshelfwaterstoaround
400 m depth
16
NSW DPI code:
SHK-04
Silky shark
(Carcharhinus falciformis)
precaudal pit
present
interdorsal ridge
present
2
1
3
3
Distinguishing features
• Interdorsalridgepresent
1stdorsalfinoriginwellbehindthefreereartipsofthepectoralfins
2• Upperteethbroadlytriangular;edgesserratedwithanangularnotch
halfway down one edge
3• Distinctivelylongfreereartipsandinnermarginson2nddorsaland
anal fins
• Moderatelylong,narrowly-roundedsnoutandslenderbodycompared
with the similar dusky whaler
1•
Colouration
• Uniformdark-browntodark-greyupperbody;verypaleunderside
• 1stdorsalfinplain;otherfinssometimeswithduskytips
Size & Distribution
• Born~70-85cm;max.~330cm
• Pelagiccoastal,shelfandoceanicwatersoffNSWsouthtoatleastSydney
• Usuallynearsurface;mostabundantneartheedgeofthecontinental
shelf
17
Oceanic whitetip shark
(Carcharhinus longimanus)
1
NSW DPI code:
SHK-05
interdorsal ridge
present
precaudal pit
present
Distinguishing
fea
eatur
tures
es
1
Distinguishing features
• Interdorsalridgepresent
•1 1stdorsal,pectoral,pelvicandtailfinswithwhitetipsinspecimens
>130 cm long
• Huge,rounded1stdorsalfinandverylong,widepectoralfins
• Quitestockybodywithshort,roundedsnout
• Upperteethbroadlytriangular;edgesserrated
Colouration
• Bronzy-greyupperbody;verypaleunderside-sometimeswitha yellow tinge
• Mostfinsofspecimens<130cmlonghavedarktipsthateventually
change to white
Size & Distribution
• Born~60-65cm;max.~300cm
• PelagicoceanicspecieswhichsometimescomesclosetoshoreinNSW
waters
18
NSW DPI code:
SHK-06
Tiger shark
(Galeocerdo cuvier)
interdorsal ridge
present
2
precaudal pit
present
1
Distinguishing features
• Distinctinterdorsalridge
•1 Darkverticalbarsonbodyofsharksupto300cmlong,butbarsfaint
or missing in larger adults
•2 Teethinbothjawsbroadandcoarselyserrated,withoneedgedeeply
notched and the other convex
• Quiteslenderbodywitharelativelylargeheadandblunt,almost square-shaped snout
Colouration
• Upperbodygrey,withverticalbarsinsharks<300cmlong;white underside
• Barsfaintormissinginlargeradults
Size & Distribution
• Born~51-76cm;max.~600cm
• Pelagicanddemersal;throughoutNSWcoastalwaterstoatleast150m
depth
19
NSW DPI code:
SHK-07
Common blacktip shark
(Carcharhinus limbatus)
no interdorsal ridge
1
1
2
precaudal pit
present
Distinguishing
fea
eatur
tures
es
1
1
Distinguishing features
• Nointerdorsalridge
Mostfinsusuallyhaveblackorduskytips*,butanalfindoesnothavea
distinctive ‘paint-dipped’ black tip (it is slightly dusky or pale-coloured)
2• Upperteethserrated;relativelylong,slenderanderect(dagger-like)
compared with those of the similar spinner shark
• 1stdorsalfinoriginslightlyforwardofthefreereartipsofthepectoralfins
1•
*Note:largeradultsmaylackblacktip–ifso,carefullyinspectteeth
Colouration
• Bronzetogreyupperbody;paleunderside
• Mostfinsusuallyhaveblackordarkduskytips(someadultsmaylack
distinctive fin markings)
Size & Distribution
• Born~40-70cm;max.~250cm
• PelagicanddemersalinNSWcoastalandshelfwaterssouthtoatleast
Sydney
20
NSW DPI code:
SHK-08
Spinner shark
(Carcharhinus brevipinna)
no interdorsal ridge
precaudal pit
present
1
1
3
2
1
Distinguishing features
• Nointerdorsalridge
Mostfinshaveblackorduskytips
2• Analfinalmostalwayshasdistinctiveblacktipthatlookslikeithas
been dipped in black paint (i.e. not just a dusky colouration)
3• Upperteethslenderandfinelyserrated;verysmall(eveninlarge sharks) compared with the long, pointed teeth of the similar-looking
common blacktip shark
• 1stdorsalfinorigininlinewithorslightlybehindfreereartipsofthe
pectoral fins
1•
Colouration
• Bronzetogreyupperbody;paleunderside
• Finsplainatbirth(60-80cmlong)butblacktipswillhavedevelopedon
most fins (except pelvic fins) by 130 cm long
Size & Distribution
• Born~60-80cm;max.~280cm
• Usuallydemersaltoatleast75mdepthinNSWcoastalandshelf waters south to at least Jervis Bay
21
NSW DPI code:
SHK-09
Blue shark
(Prionace glauca)
no interdorsal ridge
2
1
1
precaudal pit
present
Distinguishing
fea
eatur
tures
es
3
Distinguishing features
•
•
•
1•
•2
•3
Nointerdorsalridge
Noconspicuousfinmarkings
Nospinesondorsalfins
2nddorsalfinlessthanhalftheheightofthe1stdorsalfin
1stdorsalfinoriginwellbehindthefreereartipsofthepectoralfins
Verylongpectoralfinsthataremorethantwicethelengthofthe1st
dorsal fin
• Slenderbodywithlongsnout
• Caudalpedunclewithweaklateralkeels
• Teethwithcurvededges,notheavilyindented
Colouration
• Brightblue(indigoblue)upperbodythatfadestogreyquitequickly
after death; white underside
Size & Distribution
• Born~35-50cm;max.~380cm
• Pelagic–usuallynearsurface;shelfandoceanicwatersthroughoutNSW
• Mostabundantneartheedgeofthecontinentalshelf,butfoundcloser
inshore where the continental shelf is narrow
22
NSW DPI code:
SHK-10
Sliteye shark
(Loxodon macrorhinus)
no interdorsal ridge
2
precaudal pit
present
1
1
3
Distinguishing features
•
•
•
1
•
•2
•3
Nointerdorsalridge
Noconspicuousfinmarkings
Nospinesondorsalfins
2nddorsalfinlessthanhalftheheightofthe1stdorsalfin
1stdorsalfinoriginwellbehindthefreereartipsofthepectoralfins
Pectoralfinsthesamelengthas,oronlyslightlylargerthantheheight
of the 1st dorsal fin
• Small,slendersharkwithrelativelylargeeyesforitssize
• Small,smooth-edgedteethwithoneedgeheavilyindented
• 2nddorsalfinoriginbehindanalfinattachment
Colouration
• Bronzetogreyishupperbody;paleunderside
• Trailingedgeofpectoralfinspale
• 1stdorsalandtailfinssometimesdark-edged
Size & Distribution
• Born~40-45cm;max.~90cm
• Demersal;possiblyinfarnorthernNSWcoastalandshelfwaterstoat
least 100 m depth
23
NSW DPI code:
SHK-11
Bull shark
(Carcharhinus leucas)
no interdorsal ridge
2
1
precaudal pit
present
Distinguishing
fea
eatur
tures
es
Distinguishing features
•
•
•
1•
•2
Nointerdorsalridge
Nodistinctivefinmarkingsinadults
Nospinesondorsalfins
1stdorsalfinoriginforwardofthefreereartipsofthepectoralfins
Upperteethbroadlytriangularandheavilyserratedwithmoreorless
straight edges
• Stout-bodiedwithabluntsnoutcomparedwiththebronzewhaler
• Relativelylarge2nddorsalfin(usuallyaboutathirdoftheheight of the 1st dorsal fin) compared with the bronze whaler
Colouration
• Greyupperbody;paleunderside
• Finsofadultswithnodistinctivemarkings,butjuvenilesoftenwith
dusky-black fin tips
Size & Distribution
• Born~55-80cm;max.~340cm
• UsuallydemersalinNSWcoastalandshelfwaters(toatleast150m
depth), estuaries and rivers south to at least Wollongong
24
NSW DPI code:
SHK-12
Bronze whaler
(Carcharhinus brachyurus)
no interdorsal ridge
2
1
precaudal pit
present
Distinguishing features
•
•
•
1•
Usually(i.e.almostalways)nointerdorsalridge
Nodistinctivefinmarkings
Nospinesondorsalfins
1stdorsalfinoriginusuallyinlinewithorslightlyforwardofthefree
rear tips of the pectoral fins
2• Upperteethbroad-basedbutnarrowlytriangular,distinctivelycurved
(hook-shaped) and finely serrated
• Relativelylong,roundedsnoutcomparedwiththebullshark
• Relativelysmall2nddorsalfin(usuallylessthanaquarteroftheheight
of the 1st dorsal fin) compared with the bull shark
Colouration
• Bronzetogreyishupperbody;creamywhiteunderside
• Finslackdistinctivemarkingsalthoughmarginsandtipscanbedusky
Size & Distribution
• Born~60-70cm;max.~300cm
• Pelagicanddemersal;throughoutNSWcoastalwaterstoatleast100m
depth
25
Weasel shark
(Hemigaleus australiensis, previously known as H. microstoma)
NSW DPI code:
SHK-13
no interdorsal ridge
3
precaudal pit
Distinguishing
present
fea
eatur
tures
es
1
1
2
4
Distinguishing features
•
•
•
1•
2•
Nointerdorsalridge
Noconspicuousfinmarkingsalthoughtipsmightbedusky
Nospinesondorsalfins
2nddorsalfinatleasthalftheheightofthe1stdorsalfin
2nddorsalfinoriginmuchclosertotheanalfinoriginthantothefree
rear tips of the pelvic fins
3• Upperteethwithoneedgecoarsely-serrated(comb-like)andtheother
edge smooth
4• Notchatbackcornerofeachalmond-shapedeye,andspiraclespresent
Colouration
• Greyishtobronzeupperbody;paleunderside
• 2nddorsalanduppertailfintipsusuallyduskyinsmallerindividuals
but fading in larger ones
Size & Distribution
• Born~30cm;max.~110cm
• Usuallydemersal;possiblyinfarnorthernNSWcoastalandshelf watersto~170mdepth
26
NSW DPI code:
SHK-14
Lemon shark
(Negaprion acutidens)
no interdorsal ridge
3
precaudal pit
present
1
1
2
4
Distinguishing features
•
•
•
1•
2•
Nointerdorsalridge
Noconspicuousfinmarkings
Nospinesondorsalfins
2nddorsalfinatleasthalftheheightofthe1stdorsalfin
2nddorsalfinoriginclosertotheanalfinoriginthantothefree rear tips of the pelvic fins
3• Upperandlowerteethnarrowlytriangularandsmooth-edged
(dagger-like); no cusplets
• Stockyandrobustbodywithbroad,bluntsnout
4 Eye rounded in shape – no notch immediately behind eye
Colouration
• Pale-yellowtolight-brownorgreyupperbody;whitishunderside
• Noconspicuousfinmarkings
Size & Distribution
• Born~50-70cm;max.~300cm
• Usuallydemersal;possiblyinfarnorthernNSWcoastalandestuarine
watersto~30mdepth
27
NSW DPI code:
PROTECTED
SHK-
Grey nurse shark
(Carcharias taurus)
no interdorsal ridge
precaudal pit
present
Distinguishing
1
1
fea
eatur
tures
es
2
3
Distinguishing features
•
•
1•
2•
Nointerdorsalridge •Noconspicuousfinmarkings
Nospinesondorsalfins
1stand2nddorsalfinsalmostthesamesize
2nddorsalfinoriginclosertothefreereartipsofthepelvicfinsthanto
the anal fin origin
3• Usuallywithbrownspotsonsidesofthebody(flanks)
• Analfinsimilarinsizetobothdorsalfins
• Teethlong,thin,non-serrated(i.e.stiletto-shaped)andprotruding
from mouth; single cusplets either side of main cusp
Colouration
• Greytobronzeupperbody;paletowhiteunderside
• Darkspotsofvaryingsizeontheflanks(andsometimesfins)aremore
distinct in juveniles
Size & Distribution
• Born~100cm;max.~350cm
• DemersalincoastalandpossiblydeepershelfwatersthroughoutNSW
• Knowntooccurinshoreinsmallgroupsindeepgutters(15-40m)
around rocky outcrops, bomboras and reefs
28
DPI code:
PROTECTED
Sandtiger shark (Herbst’s nurse shark) NSW
SHK(Odontaspis ferox)
no interdorsal ridge
precaudal pit
present
1
1
2
3
Distinguishing features
• Nointerdorsalridge •Noconspicuousfinmarkings
• Nospinesondorsalfins
1• 2nddorsalfinapproximatelythree-quarterstheheightofthe1st dorsal fin
2• 2nddorsalfinoriginclosertothefreereartipsofthepelvicfinsthanto
the anal fin origin
3• Rarelywithbrownspotsonbody
• Analfinsimilarsizeto2nddorsalfin,butsmallerthan1stdorsalfin
• Teeththinandpointy;twinortripletcuspletseithersideofmaincusp
Colouration
• Mediumtodarkgreyupperbody;paletowhiteunderside
• Juvenilesmayhaveslightlyduskymarginsandtipsonbothdorsalfins
and the tail
• Sometimeswithdarkerspotsscatteredontheflanks
Size & Distribution
• Born~100cm;max.~450cm
• Demersal;usuallyinoutershelfandslopewatersto450mdepth throughout NSW; sometimes found closer to the coast
29
NSW DPI code:
SHK-15
Bluntnose sixgill shark
(Hexanchus griseus)
no precaudal pit
2
1
4
Distinguishing
fea
eatur
tures
es
3
3
Distinguishing features
1•
2•
3•
4•
•
•
Sixgillslits
Onedorsalfinonly
Distancebetweenendtipoftheanalfinandthelowertail-lobeorigin
very similar to the distance between end tip of the pelvic fin and the
anal fin origin
Palestreakpresentalonglateralline
Bodybulkywithshort,wide,bluntsnout
Singledorsalfinwellbackonthebody
Colouration
• Lightordarkgreytodarkbrownupperbody;greyish-whiteunderside
• Palestreakusuallypresentalonglateralline
• Finswiththinwhitetrailingedges
Size & Distribution
• Born~65cm;max.~480cm
• Demersalinshelfandupperslopewatersto2000mdepth–possibly
along entire NSW shelf from north to south
30
NSW DPI code:
SHK-16
Bigeye sixgill shark
(Hexanchus nakamurai)
no precaudal pit
2
3
1
3
Distinguishing features
1•
2•
3•
•
•
•
Sixgillslits
Onedorsalfinonly
Distancebetweenendtipoftheanalfinandthelowertail-lobeorigin
more than twice the distance between the end tip of the pelvic fin and
the anal fin origin
Nopalestreakalonglateralline
Bodybulkywithshort,slender,bluntsnout
Singledorsalfinwellbackonthebody
Colouration
• Brownish-greyupperbody;paleunderside
• Finswithwhitetrailingedges
Size & Distribution
• Born~40-45cm;max.~180cm
• DemersalinshelfandupperslopewatersofnorthernNSWsouthtoat
least Coffs Harbour
• Foundatdepthsofbetween100and700m
31
NSW DPI code:
SHK-17
Broadnose shark
(Notorynchus cepedianus)
no precaudal pit
3
2
Distinguishing
fea
eatur
tures
es
1
Distinguishing features
1•
2•
3•
•
•
Sevengillslits
Onedorsalfinonly
Upperbodypepperedwithblackand/orwhitespots
Distancebetweenendtipoftheanalfinandthelowertail-lobeorigin
very similar to the distance between end tip of the pelvic fin and the
anal fin origin
Bodybulkywithshort,wide,bluntsnout
Colouration
• Silvery-greytobrownishupperbody;whiteunderside
• Upperbodyandfinssprinkledwithblackandwhitespotsandsmall
blotches
Size & Distribution
• Born~40-45cm;max.~300cm
• DemersalincoastalandshelfwatersofsouthernNSWnorthtoatleast
Sydney, and at depths of at least 150 m
32
NSW DPI code:
SHK-18
Sharpnose sevengill shark
(Heptranchias perlo)
no precaudal pit
3
2
1
Distinguishing features
1•
2•
3•
•
•
Sevengillslits
Onedorsalfinonly
Nospotsorpepperingonupperbody
Distancebetweenendtipoftheanalfinandthelowertail-lobeorigin
more than twice the distance between the end tip of the pelvic fin and
the anal fin origin
Bodyslenderwithnarrow,pointedhead
Colouration
• Plainbrownish-greyupperbody;paleunderside
• Darktipsondorsalfinanduppertaillobe
Size & Distribution
• Born~25cm;max.~140cm
• DemersalinallNSWshelfandupperslopewatersdowntoatleast
1000 m depth
33
NSW DPI code:
SHK-19
Dark-tailed dogfishes
Greeneye dogfish - Squalus choloroculus
Northern greeneye dogfish - Squalus montalbani
Eastern longnose dogfish - Squalus grahami
This example:
Northern greeneye dogfish
no interdorsal ridge
1
Distinguishing
precaudal pit
present
fea
eatur
tures
es
2
4
3
Distinguishing features
•
•
1•
2•
3•
Nointerdorsalridge
Nodistinctblacktipsonfins
Prominentspinesextendingfrom1stand2nddorsalfinorigins
Trailingedgeoftailsmoothlyroundedandwithoutsub-apicalnotch
Obviousbutsmudgydarkpatchonthetailandatthecentreofits
trailing edge
4• Slender-bodiedshark;analfinabsent
• Dorsalfinsgreyandcommonlywithslightlydarkertipandtrailingedge
Colouration
• Darkgreyupperbody;paletowhiteunderside
• Tailmostlygreyishwithabroaddarkishareaalongthecentrethe
trailing edge
• Tipsofupperandlowerlobesoftailwhitish
Size & Distribution
• Born~20cm;max.~110cm
• DemersalonoutershelfandupperslopeinNSWwatersatbetween
150 and 600 m depth
34
NSW DPI code:
SHK-20
White-tailed dogfishes
Spiky dogfish - Squalus megalops
Eastern highfin dogfish - Squalus albifrons
This example:
Spiky dogfish
no interdorsal ridge
precaudal pit
present
1
2
4
3
Distinguishing features
•
•
1•
2•
3•
4•
•
Nointerdorsalridge
Nodistinctblacktipsonfins
Prominentspinesextendingfrom1stand2nddorsalfinorigins
Trailingedgeoftailsmoothlyroundedandwithoutsub-apicalnotch
Nodarkpatchonthetail–entiretrailingedgeoftailpaleorwhite
Slender-bodiedshark;analfinabsent
Uppermarginsofdorsalfinsmaybeslightlydark
Colouration
• Pale-greyishtobrownishupperbody;pale/whiteunderside
• Tailmostlygreyishwithawhiteorverypaletrailingedge
Size & Distribution
• Born~20cm;max.~90cm
• DemersalonoutershelfandupperslopeinNSWwatersatbetween
150 and 400 m depth
35
NSW DPI code:
SHK-21
Southern dogfish
(Centrophorus zeehaani)
no interdorsal ridge
precaudal pit
1
4
3
3
Distinguishing
present
fea
eatur
tures
es
5
2
Distinguishing features
•
1•
2•
3•
4•
•
Nointerdorsalridge •Nodistinctblacktipsonfins
Prominentspinesextendingfrom1stand2nddorsalfinorigins
Trailingedgeoftailwithnotch(orflap)–i.e.notsmoothlyrounded
Heightof2nddorsalfinatleasttwo-thirdsthatofthe1stdorsalfin
Smallwhitespotinthemiddleoftheuppersurfaceofthesnout
Distancefromsnouttiptofrontcornerofeyeequalorslightlyless
than distance from front corner of eye to the spiracle
5• Noanalfin
Colouration
• Upperbodylightbrowninadults,greyinjuveniles;paleunderside
• Tipsandtrailingedgesofdorsalfinscanbedark,butmuchlesssoin
adults
• Usuallyasmallwhitespotinthemiddleoftheuppersurfaceofthesnout
Size & Distribution
• Born~40cm;malesmax.~90cm;femalesmax.~110cm
• DemersalonupperslopeinNSWwatersnorthtoatleastCrowdyHead,
and at depths of between 250 and 800 m
36
NSW DPI code:
SHK-22
Harrisson’s dogfish
(Centrophorus harrissoni)
no interdorsal ridge
1
4
precaudal pit
present
3
3
5
2
Distinguishing features
•
1•
2•
3•
4•
•
Nointerdorsalridge •Nodistinctblacktipsonfins
Prominentspinesextendingfrom1stand2nddorsalfinorigins
Trailingedgeoftailwithnotch(orflap)–i.e.notsmoothlyrounded
Heightof2nddorsalfinatleasttwo-thirdsthatofthe1stdorsalfin
Nosmallwhitespotinmiddleofuppersurfaceofsnout
Distancefromthesnouttiptothefrontcornerofeyenoticeably greater (about 1.4 x) than the distance from front corner of the eye to
the spiracle
5• Noanalfin
Colouration
•
•
•
•
Light-greyishorbrownishupperbody;paleunderside
Tailmostlygreyishwithaslightlydarkerposteriorhalfoftail-flaps
Upperfrontofdorsalfinswithdarkpatch;lessobviousinadults
Oftenadarksmudgearoundthebasesofdorsalfins
Size & Distribution
• Born~40cm;malesmax.~95cm;femalesmax.~110cm.
• DemersalonupperslopeinNSWwatersnorthtoatleastCoffsHarbour,
and at depths of between 250 and 1000 m
37
NSW DPI code:
SHK-23
Endeavour dogfish
(Centrophorus moluccensis)
no interdorsal ridge
precaudal pit
1
4
3
3
Dpresent
istinguishing
fea
eatur
tures
es
5
2
Distinguishing features
•
•
1•
2•
3•
4•
5•
Nointerdorsalridge
Nodistinctblacktipsonfins
Prominentspinesextendingfrom1stand2nddorsalfinorigins
Trailingedgeoftailwithnotch(orflap)–i.e.notsmoothlyrounded
Heightof2nddorsalfinabouthalfthatofthe1stdorsalfin
Nosmallwhitespotinmiddleofuppersurfaceofsnout
Noanalfin
Colouration
• Light-greyishorbrownishupperbody;paleunderside
• Tailmostlygreyishwithapaletrailingedge
• Smallerindividualswithdarkblotchesnearthetipofthe1stdorsalfin
Size & Distribution
• Born~40cm;malesmax.~85cm;femalesmax.~95cm
• DemersalonoutershelfandupperslopeinNSWwatersatbetween
150 and 650 m depth
38
Gummy shark
(Mustelus antarcticus)
NSW DPI code:
SHK-24
3
2
no precaudal pit
1
Distinguishing features
1•
2•
•
•
•
3•
Fivegillslits
Numeroussmallwhitespotsonupperbody;spotslessprominenton
northern NSW specimens
Nospinesextendingfromdorsalfinorigins
Slendersharkwith2nddorsalfinaboutthree-quartersthesizeofthe
1st dorsal fin and much larger than the anal fin
2nddorsalfinorigininfrontofanalfinorigin
Flat,crushingteeth
Colouration
• Greyish-brownonupperbodywithnumeroussmallwhitespots;pale
underside
Size & Distribution
• Born~30-35cm;max.~130cm
• Demersalincoastal,shelfandslopewatersthroughoutNSWtoabout
500 m depth
39
NSW DPI code:
SHK-25
Pencil shark
(Hypogaleus hyugaensis)
2
no precaudal pit
3
3
Distinguishing
fea
eatur
tures
es
1
Distinguishing features
1•
2•
3•
•
•
•
Fivegillslits
Nowhitespotsonupperbody
2nddorsalfinmorethanhalftheheightofthe1stdorsalfinand much larger than the anal fin
Slender-bodiedshark
Nospinesextendingfromdorsalfinorigins
Teethwithveryangledmaincusp;comb-likeserrationsononeedge
Colouration
• Bronzetogreyish-brownupperbody;paleunderside
• Dorsalanduppercaudalfinduskyontips
Size & Distribution
• Born~35cm;max.~130cm
• DemersalincoastalandshelfwatersthroughoutNSWatdepthsof
between 40 and 230 m
40
NSW DPI code:
SHK-26
School shark
(Galeorhinus galeus)
2
no precaudal pit
3
3
1
Distinguishing features
1•
2•
3•
•
•
•
Fivegillslits
Nowhitespotsonupperbody
2nddorsalfinclearlylessthanhalftheheightofthe1stdorsalfinand
about the same size as the anal fin
Slender-bodiedsharkwithaverylargenotch(flap)ontheunderside
of the upper lobe of the tail fin
Nospinesextendingfromdorsalfinorigins
Pointed,almosttriangularteeth;serrationsontheupperhalfofoneedge
Colouration
• Bronzetogreyish-brownupperbody;paleunderside
• Undersidenearsnouttipoftentranslucent
Size & Distribution
• Born~30cm;max.~180cm
• Demersalincoastal,shelfandslopewatersthroughoutNSW
41
Great white shark
(Carcharodon carcharias)
NSW DPI code:
PROTECTED
SHK-
3
Distinguishing
fea
eatur
tures
es
2
1
4
Distinguishing features
1•
Pointed,conicalsnout
Crescent-shapedtail–upperandlowertaillobesofquitesimilarlength
3• Large,broadlytriangular,serratedteeth
• Pectoralfinsusuallywithduskytipsonunderside
4• Prominentlateralkeeloncaudalpeduncle,butnosecondarykeelon
caudal peduncle
2•
Colouration
• Greytobrownishupperbody,mergingabruptlyfromthatcolouron
the flanks to an entirely white underside
Size & Distribution
• Born~130cm;max.possibly~700cm
• Demersalandpelagicthroughoutcoastal,shelfandoceanicwatersof
NSW to about 1200 m depth
42
Porbeagle shark
(Lamna nasus)
NSW DPI code:
SHK-27
3
2
1
2
Distinguishing features
1•
Pointed,conicalsnout
2• Crescent-shapedtailwithsecondarykeelbelowtheextensionofthe
main caudal peduncle keel
3• Moderatelylong,slender,smooth-edgedteethwithalateralcuspleton
either side
• Bodystout;snoutrelativelylongandconical
Colouration
• Bluish-greyupperbody;whiteunderside
• Juvenileswithduskypatchesbeneathpectoralfinsandundersideof
gill slits
Size & Distribution
• Born~70-80cm;max.~300cm
• UncommonlyreportedfrompelagicshelfandoceanicNSWwaters
from the surface to at least 350 m depth
43
Shortfin mako shark
(Isurus oxyrinchus)
NSW DPI code:
SHK-28
3
Distinguishing
fea
eatur
tures
es
5
2
1
5
4
Distinguishing features
1•
2
•
3•
4•
5•
•
Pointed,conicalsnout
Crescent-shapedtail–upperandlowertaillobesofquitesimilarlength
Long,slender,pointedteeth(notserratedandwithoutcusplets)that
protrude noticeably from mouth
Nosecondarykeeloncaudalpeduncle
Pectoralfinlengthslightlylessthanthedistancebetweenthepectoral
fin origin and the snout tip
Upperandlowerteethflexed,withtipsreversed
Colouration
• Upperbodyindigo-blue,mergingabruptlyfromlighterblue/silveron
the flanks to an entirely white underside
• Undersideofsnoutiswhite
Size & Distribution
• Born~70cm;max.~400cm
• Pelagicthroughoutcoastal,shelfandoceanicwatersofNSWtoatleast
150 m depth
44
Longfin mako shark
(Isurus paucus)
NSW DPI code:
SHK-29
4
2
1
4
3
Distinguishing features
1•
2•
•
3•
4•
•
Pointed,conicalsnout
Crescent-shapedtail–upperandlowertaillobesofquitesimilarlength
Long,slender,pointedteeth(notserratedandwithoutcusplets)that
protrude noticeably from mouth (teeth similar to shortfin mako)
Nosecondarykeeloncaudalpeduncle
Pectoralfinlengthsimilarto,orgreaterthanthedistancebetweenthe
pectoral fin origin and the snout tip
Thecuspsofupperandloweranteriorteetharestraight,withtipsnot
reversed
Colouration
• Darkslaty-blueorgrey-blackupperbody;mainlywhiteunderside
• Undersideofsnoutandjawsdarkinadultsandlargejuveniles
Size & Distribution
• Born90-120cm;max.~420cm
• PossiblyinnorthernNSWwaters(atleast)
• Thoughttobedeep-dwellinginmostlyoffshoreandoceanicwaters
45
Thresher shark
(Alopias vulpinus)
NSW DPI code:
SHK-30
3
Distinguishing
fea
eatur
tures
es
2
1
4
Distinguishing features
1•
2
•
3•
4•
•
•
Roundedandonlyslightlypointedsnout
Verylonguppertaillobe–similarinlengthtobody(excludingtail)
Nogrooveonhead
Whitepatchesabovepectoralandpelvicfinorigins
Eyeslarge,butdonotextendontothedorsalsurfaceofthehead
Headstronglyarchedbetweeneyes
Colouration
• Blue-greyupperbodywithametalliclustrewhenalive;white
underside
Size & Distribution
• Born~115-150cm;max.~550cm
• Mainlypelagicthroughoutcoastal,shelfandoceanicwatersofNSWto
about 400 m depth
46
Pelagic thresher
(Alopias pelagicus)
NSW DPI code:
SHK- 31
3
2
4
1
Distinguishing features
1•
2•
3•
4•
•
•
Roundedandonlyslightlypointedsnout
Verylonguppertaillobe–similarinlengthtobody(excludingtail)
Nogrooveonhead
Skincolouringimmediatelyabovepectoralandpelvicfinoriginsdark
in colour (i.e. no white patches)
Eyeslarge,butdonotextendontodorsalsurfaceofhead
Headstronglyarchedbetweeneyes
Colouration
• Palegreyupperbody;whiteunderside
• Areaabovegillsandflankregionmayhaveametallicsilveryhue
Size & Distribution
• Born~100cm;max.~350cm
• Pelagic;possiblyinnorthernNSWwaters
47
Bigeye thresher
(Alopias superciliosus)
NSW DPI code:
SHK-32
3
Distinguishing
fea
eatur
tures
es
2
4
1
Distinguishing features
1•
2
•
3•
4•
•
Roundedandonlyslightlypointedsnout
Verylonguppertaillobe–similarinlengthtobody(excludingtail)
Pronouncedgroovefromabovetheeyesanddowneachsideofthe
head to above the gills
Skincolouringimmediatelyabovepectoralandpelvicfinoriginsdark
in colour (i.e. no white patches)
Bigeyesthatextendontodorsalsurfaceofthehead,whichisnearly
flat between the eyes
Colouration
• Purplishtoviolet-greyupperbody;creamywhiteunderside
• Flanksmayhaveametallicsheen
Size & Distribution
• Born~65-100cm;max.~460cm
• Mainlypelagicthroughoutcoastal,shelfandoceanicwatersofNSWto
about 500 m depth
48
NSW DPI code:
SHK-33
Great hammerhead
(Sphyrna mokarran)
3
1
4
2
2
Distinguishing features
1•
2•
3•
4•
•
Hammer-likehead
Heightof2nddorsalfinequaltoorslightlygreaterthanheightofanalfin
Frontmarginofheadnearlystraightandwithaslightindentationatits
centre
Extremelytall,sickle-shaped1stdorsalfin
Teethwithclearserrations
Colouration
• Bronzytogreyish-brownupperbody;paleunderside
• Nofinmarkingsinadults;2nddorsalfintipdarkinjuveniles
Size & Distribution
• Born~60cm;max.~600cm
• PelagicanddemersalthroughoutnorthernNSWcoastalandshelf
waters south to at least Sydney
49
NSW DPI code:
SHK-34
Scalloped hammerhead
(Sphyrna lewini)
3
1
2
Distinguishing
fea
eatur
tures
es
2
Distinguishing features
1•
Hammer-likehead
2nddorsalfinsmallerthananalfin
•3 Distinctiveindentationincentreoffrontmarginofthehead
•3 Frontmarginofheadcurvesbackfromthemiddle
• Teethsmoothedged(oratmostweaklyserrated)
•2
Colouration
• Olive-bronzetobrownish-greyupperbody;paleunderside
• Undersideofpectoral-fintipsduskyinadults;nootherfinmarkings
• Pectoral,lowertailand2nddorsalfintipsdarkinjuveniles
Size & Distribution
• Born~45-50cm;max.~350cm
• PelagicanddemersalthroughoutnorthernNSWcoastalandshelf
waters south to at least Sydney
50
NSW DPI code:
SHK-35
Smooth hammerhead
(Sphyrna zygaena)
3
1
2
2
Distinguishing features
1•
Hammer-likehead
2nddorsalfinsmallerthananalfin
3• Noindentationincentreoffrontmarginofthehead
3
• Frontmarginofheadcurvesbackfromthemiddle
• Narrow,slanting,finelyserrated(occasionallysmoothedged)teeth
2
•
Colouration
• Olivetodark-greyishbrownupperbody;whiteunderside
• Ventraltipsofpectoralfinsdusky
Size & Distribution
• Born~50-60cm;max.~350cm
• PelagicanddemersalthroughoutNSWcoastalandshelfwaters
51
NSW DPI code:
SHK-36
Eastern angelshark
(Squatina albipunctata)
3
2
Distinguishing
fea
eatur
tures
es
1
Distinguishing features
1•
•
•2
•3
•
Twotassellednasalbarbelsextrudingfromtheupperlipinfrontoftheeyes
Nospinesextendingfromdorsalfinorigins
Flattenedhead,pectoralandpelvicfinsoverlappingalongthelength
of the body
Topofheadbetweeneyesconcave(depressed)withthornspresent
Lowerlobeoftaildominatedbypalespots,withonlyafewdarkspots
present
Colouration
• Yellowish-brownupperbodywithnumeroussharplydefinedsmall
dark edged white spots; white underside
• Severallighterordarkerbrownishblotchesscatteredmore-or-less
regularly
Size & Distribution
• Born~25-30cm;max~130cm
• DemersalthroughoutshelfwatersofNSWatdepthsofbetween~50
and 400 m depth
52
NSW DPI code:
SHK-37
Australian angelshark
(Squatina australis)
3
2
1
Distinguishing features
1•
•
•2
3
•
•
Twotassellednasalbarbelsextrudingfromtheupperlipinfrontoftheeyes
Nospinesextendingfromdorsalfinorigins
Flattenedhead,pectoralandpelvicfinsoverlappingalongthelength
of the body
Areaontopofheadbetweeneyesflatorslightlyraisedwithnothorns
present
Numerousdarkspotsonlowerlobeoftail
Colouration
• Sandycolouredupperbodywithdensepatternofsmallirregularwhite
spots and flecks; underside uniformly pale
• Marginsofpectoralandpelvicfinswithwhiteedgesinterspersedwith
dark markings
Size & Distribution
• Born~25-30cm;max~120cm
• Demersalthroughoutcoastalandshelfwatersofsouthernandcentral
NSW north to at least Port Macquarie, and to about 150 m depth
53
Banded wobbegong
(Orectolobus halei)
NSW DPI code:
SHK-38
2
3
Distinguishing
fea
eatur
tures
es
1
Distinguishing features
1•
2
•
3•
•
•
•
Numeroustasselsandsmallskinlobesextrudingfromalongtheentire
length of the upper lip
Anywhitepatterningondorsalsurfacenotintheformofclearrings
Twowart-like‘knobs’above(immediatelybehind)theeyes
LargestwobbegonginNSW;previouslyconfusedwithornate
wobbegong
Darkerpatterningthanthespottedwobbegong
Nospinesextendingfromdorsalfinorigins
Colouration
• Lightanddarkbrownupperbodywith9blotch-shapedsaddlesthat
have conspicuous black, corrugated borders; creamy white or yellow
underside
• Lightbrownandgreyfreckle-likeblotchesbetweensaddles
Size & Distribution
• Born~25-35cm;max.ofatleast220cm
• DemersalthroughoutshallowcoastalandshelfwatersofNSWto about 100 m depth
54
Ornate wobbegong
(Orectolobus ornatus)
NSW DPI code:
SHK-39
2
3
1
Distinguishing features
1•
2•
3•
•
•
•
Numeroustasselsandsmallskinlobesextrudingfromalongtheentire
length of the upper lip
Anywhitepatterningondorsalsurfacenotintheformofclearrings
Nowart-like‘knobs’above(immediatelybehind)theeyes
Onlygrowstoamaximumof~110cm
Nospinesextendingfromdorsalfinorigins
Greenerandgreyerbackthanthebandedwobbegong,andwitha
more ‘speckled/freckled’ upper body
Colouration
• Similarpatterningtobandedwobbegong
• Veryornateandmulticolouredpatterning
• Yellowish-browntogreyish-brownupperbodywithdarkercorrugated
saddles; creamy white or yellow underside
• Lightbrownfreckle-likeblotcheswithinandin-betweensaddles
Size & Distribution
• Born~20cm;max.~110cm
• Demersalthroughoutshallowcoastalandshelfwatersofnorthernand
central NSW south to at least Sydney, and to about 70 m depth
55
Spotted wobbegong
(Orectolobus maculatus)
NSW DPI code:
SHK- 40
2
Distinguishing
fea
eatur
tures
es
1
Distinguishing features
1•
Numeroustasselsandsmallskinlobesextrudingfromalongtheentire
length of the upper lip
2
• Distinctivepatternofwhiteringsoverentiredorsalsurface
• Distinctivelypalerincolourthanotherwobbegongs
• Nospinesextendingfromdorsalfinorigins
Colouration
• Paleyellow/brownupperbodywithslightlydarkerblotch-shaped
saddles; creamy white or yellow underside
• Numerouswhiteringsformedfromchainsofsmallwhitespotsor
flecks
Size & Distribution
• Born~25cm;max.ofatleast170cm
• DemersalthroughoutshallowcoastalandshelfwatersofNSW
56
Draughtboard shark
(Cephaloscyllium laticeps)
NSW DPI code:
SHK- 41
2
1
Distinguishing features
1•
•
2•
•
•
Notasselsorskinlobesextrudingfromtheupperlip(althoughtwo
simple nasal barbels present)
Nospinesextendingfromdorsalfinorigins;andhead,pectoralfins
and pelvic fins do not overlap
Numerousdarkblotchesandsmaller,scattered,distinctdarkdotson
upper body
Typicallyinflatetheirbellywithwaterorairwhencaptured
Adultsnormallywithadarkmedianstripealongmidlineofbelly
Colouration
• Medium-brownishtogreyishupperbodyornamentedwithadense
array of dark blotches and smaller very dark dots; usually also with a
scattering of pale flecks
• Paleundersideadultsnormallywithadarkmedianstripealong midline of belly
Size & Distribution
• Max:~100cm
• DemersalthroughoutcoastalandshelfwatersofsouthernNSWnorth
toatleastJervisBay,andatdepthsto~350m
57
Saddled swellshark
(Cephaloscyllium variegatum)
NSW DPI code:
SHK- 42
3
2
Distinguishing
fea
eatur
tures
es
1
Distinguishing features
1•
•
2
•
3•
•
•
Notasselsorskinlobesextrudingfromtheupperlip(althoughtwo
simple nasal barbels present)
Nospinesextendingfromdorsalfinorigins;andhead,pectoralfins
and pelvic fins do not overlap
Few,ifany,distinctdarkdotsonupperbody
Morethanfourdarkbandsorblotchesontheupperbodybehindthe
1st dorsal fin origin (including the tail)
Typicallyinflatetheirbellywithwaterorairwhencaptured
Nodarkstripealongmidlineofbelly
Colouration
• Lightbrownupperbodyandsideswithabout11darker,weakly defined saddles of varying widths along its length; pale underside
• Distinctdarkerspotinthemiddleofmanyofthelighterpatchesabove
backbone
Size & Distribution
• Max:~75cm
• DemersalthroughoutoutershelfandupperslopewatersofNSWsouthto
at least Tathra, and at depths between 100 and 600 m
58
NSW DPI code:
SHK- 43
Whitefin swellshark
(Cephaloscyllium albipinnum)
2
3
1
Distinguishing features
1•
•
2•
3•
•
•
Notasselsorskinlobesextrudingfromtheupperlip(althoughtwo
simple nasal barbels present)
Nospinesextendingfromdorsalfinorigins;andhead,pectoralfins
and pelvic fins do not overlap
Few,ifany,distinctdarkdotsonupperbody
Nomorethanfourdistinctdarkbandsorblotchesontheupperbody
behind the 1st dorsal fin origin (including the tail)
Typicallyinflatetheirbellywithwaterorairwhencaptured
Nodarkstripealongmidlineofbelly
Colouration
• Greyish-brownupperbodyandsideswithseveraldarkersaddlesand
large blotches forming 9-10 cross-markings on upper body and tail;
pale underside
• Narrow,palemarginonmostfins
Size & Distribution
• Max:~105cm
• Demersalthroughoutoutershelfandupperslopewatersofsouthern
NSW north to at least Batemans Bay, and at depths between 125 and 550 m
59
Port Jackson shark
(Heterodontus portusjacksoni)
2
NSW DPI code:
SHK-44
3
Distinguishing
fea
eatur
tures
es
1
Distinguishing features
1•
2
•
3
•
•
•
Notasselsorskinlobesextrudingfromtheupperlip
Prominentspinesextendingfromoriginsofbothdorsalfins
Darkmarkingsonbodybehindheadinshapeofaharness–thin horizontal stripes
Box-likeheadshape
Crestsaboveeyesslopeawaygraduallybehindeyes
Colouration
• Mostlygreyish-brownupperbody(includingdorsalfins)
• Darkharness-likebarbetweeneyesandinfrontof1stdorsalfinorigin
extends onto upper surfaces of pectoral fins
• Obliquedarkstripesextendhorizontallytowardstail
Size & Distribution
• Born~20-25cm;max.~150cm
• DemersalthroughoutcoastalandshelfwatersofNSWtoabout300m
depth; most common in shallower coastal waters
60
NSW DPI code:
SHK- 45
Crested hornshark
(Heterodontus galeatus)
3
2
1
Distinguishing features
1•
2•
3•
•
•
Notasselsorskinlobesextrudingfromtheupperlip
Prominentspinesextendingfromoriginsofbothdorsalfins
Darkmarkingsonbodybehindheadinshapeofsaddles–i.e.nothin
horizontal harness-like stripes
Box-likeheadshape
Veryhighcrestsaboveeyesterminatingabruptlybehindeyes
Colouration
• Mostlyyellowish-brownupperbody;paledorsalfin
• Thick,darkverticalbarsoneithersideofbodybelow1stdorsalfin
• Darksaddlesbetweendorsalfinsandbehind2nddorsalfin
Size & Distribution
• Born~20-25cm;max.~100cm
• Demersalthroughoutcoastalandshelfwatersofnorthernandcentral
NSW south to at least Batemans Bay, and to about 150 m depth
61
Southern sawshark
(Pristiophorus nudipinnis)
NSW DPI code:
SHK-46
2
Distinguishing
fea
eatur
tures
es
1
3
Distinguishing features
•1 Long,saw-toothedsnoutwithlong,softbarbels(feelers)present
•2 Gillslitslocatedonthesideofhead–notentirelyventrally
•3 Softbarbels(feelers)locatednoticeablyclosertotheeyesthantothe
saw-tip
• 17-19largeteethoneachsideofsnout
Colouration
• Lightgreyupperbody;whiteunderside
• Twofaintbrownishstripesalongthetopofthesnout;sidesofthesaw
are often darker
Size & Distribution
• Born~25cm;max.~100cm
• Demersalthroughoutcoastalandshelfwatersofsouthernandcentral
NSW north to at least Newcastle, and at depths shallower than 75 m
62
Common sawshark
(Pristiophorus cirratus)
NSW DPI code:
SHK- 47
*Note:recentlydeclaredsynonymouswiththe‘easternsawshark’
2
1
3
Note: patterning typical of those
from southern NSW waters –
further north there is probably no
patterning.
Distinguishing features
1•
Long,saw-toothedsnoutwithlong,softbarbels(feelers)present
2• Gillslitslocatedonthesideofhead–notentirelyventrally
3• Softbarbels(feelers)locatedclosertothesaw-tipthantotheeyes(or
at least halfway between them)
• 19-25largeteethoneachsideofsnout
Colouration
• Palesandy-colouredupperbody,althoughsometimeswithdark brownish bands, blotches and spots in southern NSW waters; white
underside
• Twothin,brownishstripesalongthetopofthesnout;sidesofthesaw
are often darker
Size & Distribution
• Born~30-40cm;max.~140cm
• DemersalthroughoutcoastalandshelfwatersofNSWatdepths between 40 and 300 m
63
NSW DPI code:
PROTECTED
SHK-
Green sawfish
(Pristis zijsron)
2
Distinguishing
fea
eatur
tures
es
1
3
Distinguishing features
•1
•2
•3
•
Long,saw-toothedsnoutwithoutlongsoftbarbels(feelers)
Gillslitslocatedentirelyonwhiteventralsurface
Unlikesawsharks,the1stdorsalfinoriginisbehindthepelvicfinorigin
24-28teethoneachsideofsawthataremorecloselyspacednearer
the saw-tip than near the mouth
Colouration
• Upperbodygreenishbrownorolivewithnoobviouspatterning;white
underside
Size & Distribution
• Max.~500cm
• Extremelyrare
• Demersal;possiblyinnortherncoastalandshelfwaterssouthto Sydney
64
NSW DPI code:
SHK- 48
Shark ray
(Rhina ancylostoma)
1
3
2
Distinguishing features
1•
•2
3
•
•
•
•
•
Snoutwithoutsaw-teeth
1stdorsalfindirectlyabovepelvicfins
Distinctlowerlobeontail
Circularlyroundedheadclearlydemarcatedfrompectoralfinorigins
Gillslitsentirelyonpaleundersideofhead
Verydeep-bodiedwithdistinctivecolourationandpatterning
Largethornsonhornyridgeslocatedpre-dorsallyonback
Colouration
• Bluish-greywithnumerouswhitespotsonbackandtail;darkbands
between eyes; mostly pale underside
• Colourmorepronouncedinjuveniles;adultsoftenbrownishwithfaint
spots and lines
Size & Distribution
• Max:~270cm
• Demersalthroughoutcoastalandshelfwatersofnorthernandcentral
NSW south to at least Sydney, and to about 100 m depth
65
NSW DPI code:
SHK-49
Eastern fiddler ray
(Trygonorrhina sp.)
1
2
Distinguishing
fea
eatur
tures
es
3
Distinguishing features
•1
•2
•3
•1
Snoutwithoutsaw-teeth(ray-shapedhead)
1stdorsalfinwellbehindpelvicfins
Nodistinctlowertaillobe
Flat,oval-shaped,roundly-pointed,ornately-patternedhead
(>90-degree angle)
• Gillslitsentirelyonpaleundersideofhead
Colouration
• Brownupperbodywithtransverse,lightlycolouredbandsthathave
dark brown edges; pale yellowish-white underside
• Distinctivetriangle-ordiamond-shapedmarkingbetweenthe spiracles
Size & Distribution
• Max:~120cm
• DemersalthroughoutcoastalandshelfwatersofNSWtoabout
150 m depth
66
White-spotted guitarfish
(Rhynchobatus australiae)
NSW DPI code:
SHK-50
1
3
2
4
Distinguishing features
1•
Snoutwithoutsaw-teeth
2•1stdorsalfindirectlyabovepelvicfins
3• Distinctlowerlobeontail
1• Triangular,pointedhead/snout
• Gillslitsentirelyonpaleundersideofhead,whichmergessmoothly
with pectoral fins
4• Whitespotsalongeachsideofbody,and1-2darkspotsabovethe
base of the pectoral fin
• Smallthornsalongthemid-lineridgeoftheback
Colouration
• Mostlygreyishtoyellowish-brownupperbody;paleunderside
• 10-30whitespotsalongeachsideofthebodytotherearofthe1st
dorsal fin
• 1-2darkspotsabovethebaseofthepectoralfin
Size & Distribution
• Born:~50cm;max:~300cm
• DemersalthroughoutcoastalandshelfwatersofnorthernNSWsouth
to at least Forster, and to about 100 m depth
67
NSW DPI code:
SHK-51
Eastern shovelnose ray
(Aptychotrema rostrata)
Distinguishing
fea
eatur
tures
es
1
3
2
4
Distinguishing features
•1
•2
•3
•1
Snoutwithoutsaw-teeth
1stdorsalfinwellbehindpelvicfins
Nodistinctlowertaillobe
Long,flat,triangular,sharply-pointed(i.e.<90-degreeangle)snout
and head
4
• Only2-3smallthornsinfrontofeacheyeandonly1-2smallthorns
next to each spiracle
• Gillslitsentirelyonundersideofhead
• About18-20short,widely-spacedthornsalongcentre-lineofheadand
pre-dorsal tail
Colouration
• Plainlightbrownupperbody–sometimeswithduskyblotchesorlight
coloured speckles; mostly white underside
• Snouttranslucent,sometimesblackunderneathtowardsthetip
Size & Distribution
• Born:~20cm;max:~120cm
• DemersalthroughoutcoastalandshelfwatersofNSWtoabout
150 m depth
68
NSW DPI code:
SHK-52
Giant shovelnose ray
(Rhinobatos typus)
1
3
2
4
Distinguishing features
1•
3•
1•
4•
•
•
Snoutwithoutsaw-teeth 2•1stdorsalfinwellbehindpelvicfins
Nodistinctlowertaillobe
Long,flat,triangular,sharply-pointed(i.e.<90-degreeangle)snout
and head
Atleast5closelygroupedsmallthornsinfrontofeacheyeand>3
small thorns next to each spiracle
Gillsslitsentirelyonundersideofhead
Closelyspacedlineofthornsorenlargeddenticlesalongcentre-line
of head and pre-dorsal tail
Colouration
• Greyish-browntooliveupperbody–distinctivelypalerandyellowish
around head and fin margins; mostly pale underside
• Snoutpaleyellowwithdarkbrownstripealongsnoutcartilage
Size & Distribution
• Max~270cm
• Rareanddemersalincoastalandshelfwaters(juvenilessometimesin
estuaries) of northern NSW south to at least Forster; and to about
100 m depth
69
Index
A
Australian angelshark
B
Banded wobbegong
Bigeye sixgill shark
Bigeye thresher
Bignose shark
Blue shark
Bluntnose sixgill shark
Broadnose shark
Bronze whaler
Bull shark
C
Common blacktip shark
Common sawshark
Crested hornshark
D
Dark-tailed dogfishes
Draughtboard shark
Dusky whaler
E
Eastern angelshark
Eastern fiddler ray
Eastern shovelnose ray
Endeavour dogfish
G
Giant shovelnose ray
Great hammerhead
Great white shark
Green sawfish
Grey nurse shark
Gummy shark
H
Harrisson’s dogfish
L
Lemon shark
Longfin mako
70
Scientific name
Page
Squatina australis
53
Orectolobus halei
Hexanchus nakamurai
Alopias superciliosus
Carcharhinus altimus
Prionace glauca
Hexanchus griseus
Notorynchus cepedianus
Carcharhinus brachyurus
Carcharhinus leucas
54
31
48
15
22
30
32
25
24
Carcharhinus limbatus
Pristiophorus cirratus
Heterodontus galeatus
20
63
61
Squalus chloroculus, grahami and montalbani
Cephaloscyllium laticeps
Carcharhinus obscurus
34
57
16
Squatina albipunctata
Trygonorrhina sp.
Aptychotrema rostrata
Centrophorus moluccensis
52
66
68
38
Rhinobatos typus
Sphyrna mokarran
Carcharodon carcharias
Pristis zijsron
Carcharias taurus
Mustelus antarcticus
69
49
42
64
28
39
Centrophorus harrissoni
37
Negaprion acutidens
Isurus paucus
27
45
O
Oceanic whitetip shark
Ornate wobbegong
P
Pelagic thresher
Pencil shark
Porbeagle
Port Jackson shark
S
Saddled swellshark
Sandbar shark
Sandtiger (Herbst’s nurse) shark
Scalloped hammerhead
School shark
Shark ray
Sharpnose sevengill shark
Shortfin mako
Silky shark
Sliteye shark
Smooth hammerhead
Southern dogfish
Southern sawshark
Spinner shark
Spotted wobbegong
T
Thresher shark
Tiger shark
W
Weasel shark
Whitefin swellshark
White-spotted guitarfish
White-tailed dogfishes
Scientific name
Page
Carcharhinus longimanus
Orectolobus ornatus
18
55
Alopias pelagicus
Hypogaleus hyugaensis
Lamna nasus
Heterodontus portusjacksoni
47
40
43
60
Cephaloscyllium variegatum
Carcharhinus plumbeus
Odontaspis ferox
Sphyrna lewini
Galeorhinus galeus
Rhina ancylostoma
Heptranchias perlo
Isurus oxyrinchus
Carcharhinus falciformis
Loxodon macrorhinus
Sphyrna zygaena
Centrophorus zeehaani
Pristiophorus nudipinnis
Carcharhinus brevipinna
Orectolobus maculatus
58
14
29
50
41
65
33
44
17
23
51
36
62
21
56
Alopias vulpinus
Galeocerdo cuvier
46
19
Hemigaleus australiensis (H. microstoma)
Cephaloscyllium albipinnum
Rhynchobatus australiae
Squalus megalops and albifrons
26
59
67
35
The information in this publication is provided as a guide to NSW commercial fishers. Recognising that some of the information in this document is
provided by third parties, the State of New South Wales, the author and the publisher take no responsibility for the accuracy, currency, reliability and
correctness of any information included in the document provided by third parties. Users are reminded of the need to ensure that they comply with
any applicable legislation regarding commercial fishing, which may change from time to time.
© State of New South Wales through NSW Department of Primary Industries 2008. You must not copy this guide for any purpose without the prior
written consent of NSW Department of Primary Industries.
71
For more information on
species identification,
including commercial
reporting requirements
contact:
T: 1300 550 474
E: information-advisory@dpi.nsw.gov.au
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/commercial
NSWDPI_8947_OCT08
Illustrations
Grey nurse shark, sandtiger (Herbst’s nurse) shark, great white shark,
green sawfish © NSW DPI.
All other illustrations © R Swainston/ANIMA.
Guide prepared by WG Macbeth, M Vandenberg and KJ Graham (NSW DPI).