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.