Mexican hornshark (Heterodontus mexicanus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Heterodontus mexicanus
- Common name
- Mexican hornshark
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Heterodontidae
- Genus
- Heterodontus
- Size
- 50–100 cm
- Depth
- 0–50 m
- IUCN status
- Data deficient (DD)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- solitary, nocturnal
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, Eastern Pacific
Description
Heterodontus mexicanus reaches 1 m. Small Eastern Pacific benthic shark (Heterodontidae, basal Paleozoic taxon). Stocky brown-beige body with irregular dark bands and spots, short pig-like snout (hence port Jackson-like appearance), forward dorsal spines, massive head. Lives from 0 to 50 m on rocky reefs from Gulf of California to Peru. Exclusively nocturnal, diurnal rest in crevasses. Unique corkscrew egg-laying. Cutting ventral teeth for crushing shells. Listed DD by IUCN. Macro/wide-angle photo subject for prehistoric silhouette.
Photo of Mexican hornshark
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Mexican hornshark?
- Mexican hornshark (Heterodontus mexicanus) reaches 50–100 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Mexican hornshark?
- Mexican hornshark is found between 0–50 m deep.
- Is the Mexican hornshark dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Mexican hornshark?
- IUCN status: Data deficient (DD).
- Where can you find the Mexican hornshark?
- Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the genus Heterodontus
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 276697)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5215668)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia