Puffadder Shyshark
(Haploblepharus spp.)
Habitat: Kelp Forest |
Exhibit
Gallery: Sharks: Africa
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| These species comes in two types: the "Cape" and "Natal." The Cape prefers deeper waters while the Natal stays close to shore. The Cape's body is sandy brown with reddish-brown saddles and dark brown and white spots. The Natal is cream-colored with darker brown saddles and irregular white spots. Both types are small, growing to a maximum length of only two feet. |
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| Near threatened. These species are common in south and east coastal waters in South Africa but in a limited range within heavily fished and possibly degraded inshore waters. Highly vulnerable to effects of increased bycatch or habitat degradation. |
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| None. |
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| Biologists are still debating whether the two types of puffadder sharks are geographic variations or two distinct species. |
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