Translations:AY Honors/Sharks/Answer Key/13/en
- Carpet sharks
Brachaelurus waddi
Blind Shark (Brachaelurus waddi)
Where found: Eastern coast of Australia (from Mooloolaba in southern Queensland to Jervis Bay in New South Wales), this nocturnal, bottom-dwelling species is common in rocky areas and seagrass beds from the intertidal zone to a depth of 140 m (460 ft). It often roams in tidal pools where it may be trapped by the receding tide, and can survive for up to 18 hours out of water!
Description: The Blind Shark is actually NOT blind, getting its common name came from the habit of closing its eyes when taken out of the water. Under 62–66 cm (24–26 in) long, the blind shark has a stocky, grayish to brownish body with white flecks and darker bands that fade with age. Its head is wide, flattened, and blunt, with small eyes on top and a pair of long barbels underneath. It has large pectoral fins, two nearly equal-sized dorsal fins placed far back on the body, and an anal fin placed close to the caudal fin. This small shark adapts readily to being kept in captivity, even breeding in the Sydney Aquarium. Short Blind Shark video
Rhincodon typus
Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)
Where found: The whale shark is found in tropical and warm oceans and lives in the open sea.
Description: The Whale Shark is a slow-moving filter feeder (plankton and schools of fish) and the largest known fish species. The largest confirmed individual had a length of 12.65 m (41.50 ft) and a weight of more than 21.5 metric tons (47,000 lb), and unconfirmed reports of considerably larger whale sharks exist. Claims of individuals over 14 m (46 ft) long and weighing at least 30 mt (66,000 lb) are not uncommon. It rivals many of the largest dinosaurs in weight. They can live to 70 years. Whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium
