Japanese bullhead shark (Heterodontus japonicus)

Scientific name: Heterodontus japonicus Maclay & Macleay, 1884

Japanese bullhead shark (Heterodontus japonicus)

The Japanese bullhead shark (Heterodontus japonicus) is a marine fish of the family Heterodontidae. Native range: Northwest Pacific, off Japan, Korean Republic, northern China including Taiwan Island.

Biology

Found near shore on the continental shelf, more commonly on rocky and kelp-covered bottom. Feeds on crustaceans, mollusks (including top shells), small fishes and sea urchins. Oviparous. Grabs prey by protruding its jaw with considerable distance.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Heterodontus japonicus
Family
Heterodontidae (Bullhead / horn / Port Jackson sharks)
Order
Heterodontiformes (Bullhead and Horn sharks)
Class
Elasmobranchii (Sharks and Rays)
Maximum length
120
Depth range
6–37 m (20–121 ft)
Environment
Marine; demersal; depth range 6 - 37 m
Climate
Subtropical
Distribution
Northwest Pacific: off Japan, Korean Republic, northern China including Taiwan Island.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans
Traumatogenic
Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Fec=12)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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