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Puffadder shyshark

Puffadder shyshark

Appearance and lifestyle:

The puffadder shysharks (Haploblepharus edwardsii) are golden-brown with reddish-brown spots outlined in darker shades and dotted with white, similar in colour and markings to puffadder snakes hence their name. They have a slim, flat body with cat-like eyes and they can grow up to 60cm in length.

Puffadder shysharks are oviparous and produce up to two egg cases (mermaid’s purses) at a time. The juveniles hatch several months later, at 10cm in length. These sharks curl into a circle when threatened and cover their eyes with their tail.

Habitat:

Puffadder shysharks are endemic to South Africa's southeast Atlantic and western Indian Oceans and they are found in sandy substrates, rocky reefs, and kelp forests.

Diet:

They feed mainly on bony fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods.

Threats:

Puffadder shyshark's are on the IUCN's list as ‘Endangered’ because of their limited habitat which is located in heavy fishing areas.

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They are also known as "Happy Eddie".
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There are 2 variant species known as the ‘Cape’ and ‘Natal’ types.
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Those found in the west of Cape Agulhas are smaller than those found in the eastern coastal areas.