WHAT TO LOOK FOR
A small shark with a short, blunt head, ridges over its eyes, and two high dorsal fins with large spines.

COLOR
Brown or gray with many small dark spots.

SIZE
Averages one metre (3.3 feet)

TEETH
Molar-like teeth.

HABITAT
Adults are usually found on shallow rocky reefs or algal beds from 2 to 11 metres (6.6 to 36 feet) and in winter they migrate to deeper water.

DISTRIBUTION
Western coast of North America from California to the Gulf of California.

BIOLOGY

• Prey – Adults feed primarily on hard-shelled mollusks and crustaceans, but may feed on invertebrates and small fishes.

• Reproduction – Oviparous. Females lay up to 24 auger-shaped egg cases from February to April. Lays auger-shaped egg cases

BEHAVIOR
Slow moving and generally solitary.

STATUS
Data deficient.