These shysharks are similar in colour and markings to puffadder snakes, hence their name. Puffadder shysharks are endemic to South Africa's southeast Atlantic and western Indian Oceans. These sharks curl into a circle when threatened and cover their eyes with their tail. 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. Puffadder shysharks feed mainly on bony fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods.
Puffadder shysharks produce up to two egg cases at a time.
Sharks grow in egg cases until 10cm in length.