Brachaelurus waddi (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Blind shark
photo by Murch, A.

Family:  Brachaeluridae (Blind sharks)
Max. size:  122 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 140 m
Distribution:  Southwest Pacific: confined to Australia, southern Queensland and New South Wales. Records from Western Australia and northern Territory need confirmation.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0. Mostly with white spots on body (Ref. 13576). Caudal fin with its upper lobe at a low angle above body axis, with a strong terminal lobe and subterminal notch but no ventral lobe (Ref. 13576).
Biology:  Usually found close inshore in tide pools (barely deep enough to keep it covered) and at the surf line, but sometimes deeper (Ref. 247). Prefers rocky shoreline areas and coral reefs (Ref. 247, 43278). Feeds on small reef invertebrates (Ref. 247), including crabs, shrimps, cuttlefish, squid and sea anemones (Ref. 43278), and small fishes (Ref. 247). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 43278, 50449). Thrives in an aquaria and capable of living out of water for a long time (Ref. 247).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 May 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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