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View the Science Scoop on the Puffadder Shyshark Here SHARKS & RAYS WHAT’S @sharkattackcampaign THE www.sharkattackcampaign.co.za SCOOP? PUFFADDER 09 SHYSHARK The puffadder shyshark is a species of catshark fondly known as “Happy Eddie” which is a shortened version of its latin name (Haploblepharus edwardsii). Puffadder shysharks are also endemic to South Africa and can be found near the bottom in sandy or rocky areas to a depth of 130 metres. This species only reaches a maximum of 60 centimetres in length and has a slender flattened body and head. It has beautiful patterns with a series of dark edged orange saddle shaped markings down its body and white spots all over its back – these patterns also resemble the puffadder snake. The females’ diet mainly consist of crustaceans while the males prefer eating worms. It is known as the shyshark because when threatened it curls into a circle with its tail covering its eyes. The range of the puffadder shyshark is limited to the southeast Atlantic from Cape Agulhas to Natal in South Africa. This shark is found on or near the bottom in sandy or rocky habitats, from the intertidal zone to a depth of 130m. Scientifi c Name: Haploblepharus edwardsii AKA: Puffadder shyshark Ocean Hang out: Indian and Atlantic, on rock reefs and sand fl ats Warm/Cool Waters: Warm and cool Diet: Small fi sh, crustaceans, squid and worms Slow/ Fast: Slow, confi ned to the seabed S/ M/ L/ XL/ XXL: S Shy/ Bold: Shy At the beach/ In the sea: Close inshore, but also deeper waters of the shelf (Inhabits coastal or oceanic waters) Local/ International: (Endemic/ Non-native) Local; confi ned to west and south coasts of South Africa Nomadic/ Homely: (Migratory or resident) Homely Social/ Anti-social: (Normally found in groups or solitary) Apparently social but based on observations in captivity Black Tie/ Eccentric: (Easily recognisable as a shark or ray Eccentric or has a unique appearance) Teeth: Very small with 3-5 pointed cusps Best Feature: When threatened it curls into a circle with its tail covering its eyes Red Listing: Near Threatened (Ebert et al, 2013, Sharks of the World).
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