WHAT TO LOOK FOR
A small stocky shark with a broad head, and very large nostrils. Its greatly expanded anterior nasal flaps reach its mouth, and its gill slits are on the upper sides of its body.

COLOR
Brown color on top, sometimes with a slightly darker, obscure saddles or small white or black spots. White on white on the underside.

SIZE
Adolescents are usually between 1.6 and1.7 ft [50 and 54 cm] in length. Adult males are 1.8 to 2.3 ft [55 to 69 cm] in length, and females are 2 to 2.1 ft [60 to 63 cm]. Their maximum length is 2.3 ft [69 cm].

HABITAT
The shark prefers to be inshore on the continental shelf, often in shallow, sandy areas, or the rocky bottom from 0 to 114.8 ft [0 to 35 m].

DISTRIBUTION
Western Indian Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean, less than [1000 km] off the coast of South Africa in the Western Atlantic Ocean.

BIOLOGY

• Prey – Lobsters and bony fish.

• Reproduction – Oviparous (lays pairs of eggs).

BEHAVIOR
When frightened or captured the shark curls up with its tail over its eyes.

STATUS
These sharks are considered a nuisance by fishers.