Colclough's shark, Heteroscyllium colcloughi or Brachaelurus colcloughi, is a seldom seen small shark endemic to northeastern Australia. It is sometimes called the bluegray carpetshark, and is similar in appearance to the blind shark, Brachaelurus waddi, with which it is sometimes confused. It frequents shallow, near shore seabottoms off the coast of Queensland.
The Colclough's shark is commonly about 75 cm long (30 in), but may reach a meter (39 in) according to some reports. Its mouth has two barbels, one at each corner, the purpose of which is to help in recognizing prey. This shark is usually a light, gray-brown. Its diet consists of benthic invertebrates.
The Colclough's shark is ovoviviparous, meaning the pups develop within eggs that are retained inside the body of the mother, and then are born alive. it is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, and because its range is so limited, its status must be carefully monitored. There is concern that this shark may become sought after by the pet trade, which will further deplete its numbers.
Other common names and spellings for this shark are blue gray / blue-gray / blue-grey / bluegrey / carpetshark or catshark, or Colcloughs shark without the apostrophe.
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Picture of a Colclough's shark or blue gray carpet shark, Brachaelurus colcloughi, Queensland, Australia, Pacific
Picture #: 077095 |
Stock photo of a scuba diver photographing blue gray carpet shark or Colclough's shark, Brachaelurus colcloughi or Heteroscyllium colcloughi, Queensland, Australia, Pacific
Picture #: 077091 |
Image of a Colclough's shark or blue gray carpet shark, Brachaelurus colcloughi, Brisbane, Australia, Pacific
Picture #: 077092 |
Photo of a Colclough's shark or blue gray carpet shark, Brachaelurus colcloughi, Brisbane, Australia, Pacific
Picture #: 077094 |
Picture of a a Colclough's shark or blue gray carpet shark, Brachaelurus colcloughi, Brisbane, Australia, Pacific
Picture #: 077093 |
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