WHAT TO LOOK FOR
A big, stocky shark with a broad, blunt snout, and both its dorsal fins are about the same size.

COLOR
Yellowish.

SIZE
When born, the pups are 1.5 to 2.6 ft [45-80 cm] in length. Males mature at approximately 8 ft [2.4 m], and their maximum length is 10.2 ft [3.1 m].

TEETH
The shark has narrow, smooth-cusped teeth in both jaws.

HABITAT
Inshore, on or near the bottom between the surface and 98.4 ft [30 m]. The shark prefers turbid, still water in bays, estuaries, sandy plateaus, outer reef shelves and reef lagoons. Young sharks are found on very shallow reef flats with the dorsal fins exposed.

DISTRIBUTION
Tropical Indo-west and central Pacific Oceans.

BIOLOGY

• Prey – Feeds on bottom bony fishes and stingrays.

• Reproduction – Viviparous, with 1-13 pups per litter after about a 10 month gestation period.

BEHAVIOR
These sharks are often sluggish, swimming slowly near or resting on the bottom. They may surface when stimulated by food, but tend to be shy and reluctant to approach divers. It can be aggressive if provoked. Young sharks may be more inquisitive.

STATUS
This species is vulnerable, and heavily fished outside of Australia throughout range. This shark is hardy in captivity, and also valuable for dive tourism.