swellshark
ExploreFish
swellshark
Cephaloscyllium ventriosum
The swellshark is a special kind of shark that can puff up like a balloon! It lives in the ocean and loves to hide in caves and crevices.
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The swellshark has a stout head and a slender body, typically yellowish-brown with a pattern of dark spots and saddles. Its large cat-like eyes glow in the dark, and its rough skin is covered in tiny tooth-like scales.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassElasmobranchiiOrderCarcharhiniformesFamilyScyliorhinidaeGenusCephaloscyllium
Category
FishRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Swellshark eggs are called 'mermaid's purses' and have curly tendrils!
These sharks are harmless to humans, often curious but shy!
They spend most of their day resting hidden in rocky caves and crevices!
Young swellsharks are sometimes even brighter and more spotted than adults!
Special abilities
Ability
Body Inflator
Swellsharks can inflate their bodies with water because of elastic skin that helps them appear larger and wedge into crevices, deterring predators.
Ability
Glowing Skin
Swellsharks have skin that glows green because of special proteins that help them communicate with other swellsharks in the dark ocean depths.
Ability
Night Vision Hunter
Swellsharks have large, reflective eyes that help them see very well in low light to hunt for food at night.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 30-100 cm
- Weight
- 0.5-3 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-20 years
- Swim Speed
- 8 km/h
- Maximum Depth
- 450 m
- Water Type
- Saltwater
Diet & Feeding
This shark is a nocturnal hunter, eating small bottom-dwelling animals it finds in the dark.
Age differences: Younger sharks eat more invertebrates, while adults add more fish to their diet.
Primary Foods
- crabs
- shrimp
- squid
- octopus
- small bony fish
- snails
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
Northern Anchovy
Engraulis mordax
They hunt and consume these small schooling fish.
hunts
Pacific Rock Crab
Cancer antennarius
This crab is a common prey item for swellsharks.
eaten by
Northern Elephant Seal
Mirounga angustirostris
Large seals sometimes prey on swellsharks.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Cave Dwelling
Cave dwelling describes organisms specifically adapted to live in underground cave systems, often exhibiting specialized traits due to lack of light.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Ambush Predator
An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Always watch out for waves and stay close to an adult when exploring the beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is swellshark?
30-100 cm
How much does swellshark weigh?
0.5-3 kg
How long does swellshark live?
10-20 years
What does swellshark eat?
This shark is a nocturnal hunter, eating small bottom-dwelling animals it finds in the dark.
How fast can swellshark swim?
8 km/h
Where is swellshark usually found?
Coastal areas
How does swellshark hunt?
Ambush
How deep can swellshark go?
450 m
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