Horn shark (Heterodontus francisci)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Heterodontus francisci
- Common name
- Horn shark
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Heterodontidae
- Genus
- Heterodontus
- Size
- 70–122 cm
- Depth
- 2–150 m
- IUCN status
- Data deficient (DD)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky-reef, sandy-bottom
- Behaviours
- benthic, nocturnal
- Ocean zones
- Eastern Pacific
Description
Heterodontus francisci reaches 1.22 m. Carpet shark (Heterodontidae) East Pacific temperate from central California to Baja California with stocky body brown-yellow to beige with scattered dark spots, distinctive prominent supraorbital ridge, two dorsal fins with protruding spine, small mouth adapted to crushing shells and urchins. Lives from 2 to 150 m on rocky reefs, hidden in crevices by day, emerges at night. Benthic predator. Lays characteristic screw-shaped eggs. Classic dive photo subject of California kelp forests, Catalina Island, La Jolla.
Photo of Horn shark
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Horn shark?
- Horn shark (Heterodontus francisci) reaches 70–122 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Horn shark?
- Horn shark is found between 2–150 m deep.
- Is the Horn shark dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Horn shark?
- IUCN status: Data deficient (DD).
- Where can you find the Horn shark?
- Found in: Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the genus Heterodontus
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 276694)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5215678)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia