Swell shark
Cephaloscyllium ventriosum
Currently not on view
| Diet | Fishes, crustaceans and mollusks |
|---|---|
| Size | Length: Up to 43.3 inches (110 cm) |
| Type | Sharks & Rays |
| Range | Eastern Pacific |
| Habitat | Inshore and offshore over algae covered rocky bottoms and kelp forests in the eastern and southeastern Pacific Ocean |
About the Swell shark
This species gets its name from a hydraulic defense mechanism: A swell shark will tuck itself into a tight place and take in a large amount of water, puffing up to prevent predators from dislodging it.
Did you know?
- When a seal or larger shark threatens, the swell shark tucks into a rocky crevice and gulps water. Its body swells up, preventing the predator from pulling the fish out.
- Among the kelp blades, see if you can spot small, translucent, flat packets, anchored by twirling tendrils. They’re shark egg cases; the swell shark’s cases are amber or green.
- The swell shark is a sluggish fish, tending to roam around the sea floor. Its blotchy markings help it blend into the background.