What Divers Should Know About Port Jackson Shark

When exploring the temperate waters of southern Australia, a unique sight on the seafloor might be the distinctive Port Jackson shark. These fascinating bullhead sharks are easily identified by their large, blunt heads with prominent forehead ridges and striking dark brown, harness-like markings that crisscross a lighter grey-brown body. The pattern notably crosses the eyes, runs along the back to the first dorsal fin, and then across the side of the body. One might observe them resting during daylight hours, often nestled in rocky environments, within caves, or near sheltering rocky outcrops, as they are a nocturnal species. They can reach an impressive length of up to 1.65 metres (5.5 ft).

Often encountered habitually on or near the sea bottom, their territory typically includes rocky areas, though sandy, muddy bottoms, and even seagrass beds are also utilized. While usually found at depths less than 100 metres, these sharks have been known to venture as deep as 275 metres. A migratory species, Port Jackson sharks travel south in summer and return north to breed in winter. They are an oviparous, or egg-laying, species.