ANIMAL: Swell Shark Cephaloscyllium ventriosum Type of Animal: Catshark Habitat: Temperate/subtropical/tropical waters: kelp beds on rocky and/or boulder substrates, continental shelves, upper slopes, caves, crevices, rocky algal covered bottoms, sandy bottoms adjacent to rocky algal covered bottoms, algal areas, coastal areas, neritic zones, open waters close to bottom, kelp forest, reefs, found at depths ranging from inshore all the way to 1,500 ft Location(s): E Pacific from C California to S Mexico, w/ disjunct population off coast of Ecuador/Peru/Chile Appearance: Yellowish-brownish shark w/ brown blotches & white spots, younger sharks lighter than adults, small tight gills, flat broad head, short broadly rounded snout, large gold eyes, 2 dorsal fins w/ one much bigger than other Food/Diet: Bony fish, crustaceans, mollusks, carrion Status in Wild: Stable Conservation: Breeding in aquariums, marine parks, & zoos Lifestyle: Small groups of 5-7 sharks or solitary Additional Info: Called: Male Female Young: Pup Group: School/Shiver Weight: Male: 12 lbs Female: 18 lbs Young: 1 lb Gestation: 9-12 months Life Span: 20-35 years Body Length: Male: 2.7 ft Female: 2.69-2.83 ft Young: 1 ft Tail Length: 1 ft, same for both sexes Main predators of adults are larger sharks, pinnipeds, & orcas. Marine snails prey on egg cases. Larger predatory fish & sharks prey on juveniles. These sharks lay 2 eggs at a time, attaching them to rocks/algae by wiry tendrils on egg case. Egg cases often called mermaid’s purses. Active at night (nocturnal). They’re ambush predators. Not typically consumed by humans due to poor quality of meat. These sharks are rather shy only biting occasionally if stepped on or harassed. Often accidentally caught as bycatch. These sharks are very sedentary. These sharks are rather poor swimmers. Feed by sucking prey in mouth. Pattern/coloration aids in camouflage. Like many other shark species, they have keen chemical perception abilities. Much of the day is spent hiding. These sharks fairly popular in public aquariums. Fun Fact(s): These sharks able to glow in dark due to biofluorescence. This adaptation may aid in helping individuals recognize each other as well as in camouflage. Gets name from habit of inflating stomach w/ water/air, swelling them to double size. They do this when threatened. This defense mechanism can also lock them into hard to reach areas. They sometimes make dog-like barks while doing this. Sometimes called California Swellsharks & Puffer Sharks.
