| Brachaelurus Temporal range:
| |
|---|---|
| |
| Brachaelurus waddi | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Chondrichthyes |
| Subclass: | Elasmobranchii |
| Order: | Orectolobiformes |
| Family: | Brachaeluridae Applegate, 1974 |
| Genus: | Brachaelurus Ogilby, 1908 |
| Type species | |
| Chiloscyllium modestum Günther, 1872
| |
Brachaelurus (blind sharks) is the sole genus of sharks in the family Brachaeluridae in the order Orectolobiformes. Only two extant species of blind sharks occur, both of which are native to shallow coastal waters up to 110 m (360 ft) deep, off the eastern coast of Australia.[2]
They are distinguished by the presence of long barbels, large spiracles, and a groove around the nostrils. They have two dorsal fins, placed close together on the back, and a relatively short tail. Blind sharks have fully functioning eyes, but their name was given to them because when caught by anglers these eyes are closed (probably to protect them).[2]
Blind sharks feed on small fish, cuttlefish, sea anemones, and crustaceans. The female retains the eggs in her body until they hatch (ovoviviparity), during which time the embryos feed solely on the egg yolk.[2]
- ^ "Brachaeluridae". Paleobiology Database. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ a b c Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Family Brachaeluridae". FishBase. February 2024 version.