Sharks, skates, rays Cartilaginous skeleton Contain no bone.
Identifying sharks and rays - A guide for commercial fishers · 4. T. his guide is designed to...
Transcript of Identifying sharks and rays - A guide for commercial fishers · 4. T. his guide is designed to...
2
ImportantIf a shark or ray cannot be confidently identified using this guide, it is recommended that either digital images are obtained or the specimen is preserved.
Please contact NSW DPI research staff for assistance: phone 1300 550 474 or email [email protected]
Contents
Introduction 4How to use this guide 5Glossary 6-7
Key 1 Whaler sharks and other sharks of similar appearance 8-9 to whalers – upper precaudal pit present
Key 2 Sharks of similar appearance to whaler sharks – no 10 precaudal pit
Key 3 Mackerel (great white and mako), hammerhead and 11 thresher sharks Key 4 Wobbegongs and some other patterned 12 bottom-dwelling sharks
Key 5 Sawsharks and other long-snouted sharks and rays 13
3
Sandbar shark 14Bignose shark 15Dusky whaler 16Silky shark 17Oceanic whitetip shark 18Tiger shark 19Common blacktip shark 20Spinner shark 21Blue shark 22Sliteye shark 23Bull shark 24Bronze whaler 25Weasel shark 26Lemon shark 27Grey nurse shark 28Sandtiger (Herbst’s nurse) shark 29Bluntnose sixgill shark 30Bigeye sixgill shark 31 Broadnose shark 32Sharpnose sevengill shark 33Dark-tailed dogfishes 34White-tailed dogfishes 35Southern dogfish 36Harrisson’s dogfish 37Endeavour dogfish 38Gummy shark 39Pencil shark 40School shark 41
Great white shark 42Porbeagle 43Shortfin mako 44Longfin mako 45Thresher shark 46Pelagic thresher 47Bigeye thresher 48Great hammerhead 49Scalloped hammerhead 50Smooth hammerhead 51Eastern angelshark 52Australian angelshark 53Banded wobbegong 54Ornate wobbegong 55Spotted wobbegong 56Draughtboard shark 57Saddled swellshark 58Whitefin swellshark 59Port Jackson shark 60Crested hornshark 61Southern sawshark 62Common sawshark 63Green sawfish 64Shark ray 65Eastern fiddler ray 66White-spotted guitarfish 67Eastern shovelnose ray 68Giant shovelnose ray 69
Index 70 -71
4
This guide is designed to assist commercial fishers identify sharks and rays potentially
encountered in NSW waters. Sharks and rays not usually retained for commercial purposes have not been included in this guide.
Catch reporting arrangements for NSW commercial fishers require that any sharks and rays landed are correctly identified and recorded to the species or genus level using the codes provided by NSW Department of Primaries Industries (NSW DPI).
This guide contains simple, easy-to-use keys that highlight certain external distinguishing features for identification purposes. The keys are further supported by detailed species information and illustrations so that identification can be made with confidence.
If a landed shark or ray cannot be confidently identified using this guide, it is recommended that either digital images are obtained or the specimen is preserved. Please contact NSW DPI research staff for assistance. Details may be found inside the front cover.
Many shark and ray species are caught by commercial fishing operations in New South Wales (NSW) waters and refined catch information is vital for the successful management of these species.
References for this guide:
Compagno, LJV 1984. FAO Species Catalogue, Vol. 4, Sharks of the World. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of sharks known to date. FAO FisheriesSynopsis No. 125.
Daley, RK, Stevens, JD, Last, PR and Yearsley, GK 2002. Field Guide to Australian Sharks & Rays. CSIRO Marine Research, Hobart, Australia. 84pp.
Last, PR and Stevens, JD 1994. Sharks and Rays of Australia. CSIRO, Melbourne, Australia. 513pp.
McAuley, R, Newbound, D and Ashworth, R 2002. Field identification guide toWestern Australian Sharks and Shark-like Rays. Department of Fisheries, Perth, Western Australia. (ISBN: 1 877098 03 5) 35pp.
NSW DPI commercial line fishing observer program, 2007-2008.
Introduction
5
To begin identification start at the blue box and work your way through the key by assessing the primary distinguishing features until you identify the species.
In the case of the whalers and similar sharks, the primary distinguishing features include: the presence or absence of obvious physical features such as an upper precaudal pit, interdorsal ridge or dorsal fin spines; the relative sizes and/or positions of the dorsal fins; and the size and shape of the upper teeth. Correct assessment of these main distinguishing features via the keys should result in correct species identification.
Subsequently, turn to the appropriate page number of that species as indicated on the key and consider some of the secondary distinguishing features (which might involve teeth, body patterning or some of the primary features mentioned above), so that initial identification can be confirmed with a higher degree of confidence.
In designing this guide, a basic level of general knowledge is assumed about the different types of sharks and rays encountered in NSW waters. Once a shark or ray has been caught and requires identification, choose the most appropriate key from the list below – refer to the glossary on page 6 for terminology. Keys can be found on pages 8-13.
Key 1 Whaler sharks and other sharks of similar appearance to whalers – upper precaudal pit presentKey 2 Sharks of similar appearance to whaler sharks – no precaudal pitKey 3 Mackerel (great white and mako), hammerhead and thresher sharks Key 4 Wobbegongs and some other patterned bottom-dwelling sharksKey 5 Sawsharks and other long-snouted sharks and rays
Tips
How to use this guide
The primary distinguishing features of each species are highlighted in orange throughout the illustrated pages of this guide.
With some obvious exceptions, colouration and known distribution should not be considered reliable primary distinguishing features – they should only be considered as secondary features. For example, most whaler sharks can vary in upper body colouration between light grey and bronze, and so a bronzy coloured shark is not necessarily a ‘bronze whaler’. Similarly, a whaler with black tips on its fins is not necessarily a ‘common blacktip shark’.
The known distribution of a species is just that – the known geographical distribution – and not a definitive boundary. Not enough is known about the distribution of sharks and rays in NSW waters to be able to use such information with absolute accuracy.
It should be noted that, in general, the most useful four features to look at in the case of most whalers and similar sharks is the presence or absence of an upper precaudal pit, interdorsal ridge, or dorsal fin spine; and the size and shape of the upper teeth. The larger teeth either side of the midpoint of the upper jaw are the teeth to inspect.
6
Glossary
anal fin single fin located on the underside behind the pelvic finsbarbel a slender sensory skin projection on the snout of some speciescaudal fin tail fincaudal peduncle the section behind the anal fin connecting the body to the tailconical cone-shapedcrest hardened ridge of skin above the eyes of some speciescusp the main visible part of the toothcusplets small secondary projections next to the main cusp of toothdenticles very small tooth-like plates that form the abrasive surface on the skin
dorsal refers to the upper surface of the sharkdorsal fins fins on upper surfacedusky graded and/or inconsistent grey to black colourationfin origin the forward-most point of attachment of a finflank side of the bodyfree rear tip (of fin) rear tip of loose flap behind the fin attachmentinner margin (of fin) edge between the fin attachment and the free rear tipinterdorsal ridge raised ridge of skin between the 1st and 2nd dorsal fins
keel solid lateral fin-like projection – associated with caudal pedunclelateral refers to the side of the sharkleading edge (of fin) forward-facing edgemargins (of fins) leading or trailing edgespectoral fins located on underside of the head in sharks / forms the disc in rayspelvic fins paired fins located behind the pectoral finsprecaudal pit notch-like indentation at the base of the caudal (tail) serrated saw-like or jagged skin lobe projection or flap of skinspiracle a respiratory opening behind the eyes of some speciessub-apical below the tiptassels thin, branched skin lobes
trailing edge (of fin) rear-facing edge
translucent allows light through but not totally transparentunderside/ventral refers to the undersurface of the sharkupper body refers to the body surfaces above the level of the pectoral fins
7
1st upper dorsal finInterdorsal ridge tail lobe2nd
fin origin dorsal fin
caudal free rear tips (tail) finanal fin pelvic fins
gill slits pectoral fins lower tail lobe
snout
upper precaudal pit
‘dusky’ tipped ‘dipped in paint’
SHAPE OF SNOUT
nostril
mouth
blunt short and long and pointedrounded rounded
Identifying parts of the shark
8
Yes
INTE
RD
OR
SA
L R
IDG
E
Dis
tinct
bla
ck ti
ps o
n m
ost f
ins
*
Whi
te ti
ps o
n 1s
t dor
sal
and
pect
oral
fins
Stri
pey
patte
rn o
n bo
dy; d
istin
ctiv
e te
eth
with
one
ed
ge d
eepl
y no
tche
d an
d th
e ot
her s
trong
ly c
urve
d
Oce
anic
whi
tetip
sh
ark
(p18
)
Yes
1st d
orsa
l fin
orig
in w
ell f
orw
ard
of th
e fre
e re
ar ti
ps o
f the
pec
tora
l fin
s
Hei
ght o
f the
1st
dor
sal f
in
grea
ter t
han
half
the
leng
th
betw
een
the
1st d
orsa
l fin
or
igin
and
the
tip o
f the
sno
ut
San
dbar
shar
k(p
14)
Yes
No
Big
nose
shar
k(p
15)
Upp
er te
eth
broa
d an
d tri
angu
lar w
ith
gent
ly-c
urvi
ng, s
erra
ted
edge
s
Yes
Spi
nner
shar
k(p
21)
No
Ana
l fin
look
s lik
e it
has
been
dip
ped
in b
lack
pai
nt; a
nd te
eth
are
quite
sm
all f
or th
e si
ze o
f the
sha
rk
Com
mon
bla
cktip
sh
ark
(p20
)
Dus
ky w
hale
r(p
16)
Yes
No
Silk
y sh
ark
(p17
)
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Tige
r sha
rk(p
19)
Yes
Not
e th
at c
omm
on b
lack
tip s
hark
s of
si
zes
larg
er t
han
abou
t 13
0 m
lon
g m
ay la
ck fi
n m
arki
ngs
In s
uch
case
s th
e te
eth
are
the
best
di
stin
guis
hing
feat
ure
*
KEY
1: W
hale
r sha
rks a
nd o
ther
shar
ks o
f sim
ilar a
ppea
ranc
e to
wha
lers
– u
pper
pre
caud
al p
it pr
esen
t KEY 1
9
Hei
ght o
f the
2nd
do
rsal
fin
at le
ast
half
that
of t
he1s
t dor
sal f
in
No
1st d
orsa
l fin
or
igin
wel
l be
hind
the
free
re
ar ti
ps o
f the
pe
ctor
al fi
ns
Blu
e sh
ark
(p22
)
Yes
No
Slit
eye
shar
k(p
23)
Bul
l sha
rk(p
24)
Yes
No
Bro
nze
wha
ler
(p25
)
Yes
2nd
dors
al fi
n or
igin
clo
ser
to p
elvi
c fin
free
rea
r tip
s th
an to
ana
l fin
orig
in
Yes
1st a
nd 2
nd d
orsa
l fin
s th
e sa
me
size
and
br
own
spot
s on
bod
y
Gre
y nu
rse
shar
k(p
28)
Yes
No
San
dtig
er
shar
k(p
29)
No
Yes
Upp
er te
eth
with
one
edg
e co
arse
ly-s
erra
ted
(com
b-lik
e)
and
the
othe
r ed
ge s
moo
th
Wea
sel s
hark
(p26
)
Yes
No
Lem
on s
hark
(p27
)
Tail
with
sm
udgy
dar
k pa
tch
on it
and
its
trai
ling
edge
Not
ched
trai
ling
edge
of
upp
er lo
be o
f the
ta
il ra
ther
than
sm
ooth
ly c
urve
dY
es
Dar
k-ta
iled
dogf
ishe
s(p
34)
No
Whi
te-t
aile
ddo
gfis
hes
(p35
)
Yes
Hei
ght o
f the
2nd
do
rsal
fin
mor
e th
an
two-
third
s th
e he
ight
of
the1
st d
orsa
l fin
Yes
Sm
all w
hite
/pal
e sp
ot in
the
mid
dle
of th
e up
per
surf
ace
of th
e he
ad
Yes
Sou
ther
n do
gfis
h(p
36)
Spi
nes
exte
ndin
g fr
om 1
st a
nd 2
nd d
orsa
l fin
orig
ins
Yes
No
No
End
eavo
ur
dogf
ish
(p38
)
No
No
Upp
er te
eth
broa
d an
d tr
iang
ular
with
qui
te
stra
ight
, ser
rate
d ed
ges
Leng
th o
f pec
tora
l fin
s gr
eate
r th
an
twic
e th
e he
ight
of
the
1st d
orsa
l fin
No
Har
risso
n's
dogf
ish
(p37
)
KEY 1 continued
10
ecau
dal p
ite
to w
hale
r sha
rks
– no
pr
hark
s of
sim
ilar a
ppea
ranc
KEY
2: S
KEY 2
Gum
my
shar
k(p
39)
Hei
ght o
f the
2nd
dor
sal f
in a
t lea
st
half
the
heig
ht o
f the
1st
dor
sal f
in
Sch
ool s
hark
(p41
)
No
No
esY
Pen
cil s
hark
(p40
)
Sm
all w
hite
spo
ts a
ll ov
er u
pper
bod
yes
Y
Six
gill
slit
s
esY
Blu
ntno
se s
ixgi
ll sh
ark
(p30
)
Big
eye
sixg
ill
shar
k(p
31)
esY
Bro
adno
sesh
ark
(p32
)
No
Sha
rpno
se s
even
gill
shar
k(p
33)
esY
No
esY
No
Dis
tanc
e fr
om th
e fr
ee r
ear
tip o
f the
an
al fi
n to
the
low
er ta
il-lo
be o
rigin
eq
ual t
o th
e di
stan
ce fr
om th
e fr
ee r
ear
tip o
f the
pel
vic
fin to
the
anal
fin
orig
in
Mor
e th
an fi
ve g
ill s
lits
and
only
one
dor
sal f
in
esY
Upp
er b
ody
pepp
ered
with
dar
k an
d/or
w
hite
spo
ts a
nd s
mal
l blo
tche
s
No
Sev
en g
ill s
lits
11
eshe
r sha
rks
), ha
mm
erhe
ad a
nd th
re
and
mak
ot w
hit
eael
(gr
erac
kKE
Y 3:
M
KEY 3
Inde
ntat
ion
(or
notc
h) a
t cen
tre
of le
adin
g ed
ge o
f the
hea
d
serr
ated
edg
es
Teet
h la
rge
and
broa
dly
tria
ngul
ar w
ith s
trai
ght,
No
esY
esY
Gre
at w
hite
sha
rk(p
42)
Sm
all s
econ
dary
kee
l bel
ow th
e ca
udal
ped
uncl
e ke
el; c
uspl
ets
eith
er s
ide
of d
agge
r-lik
e te
eth
No
Por
beag
le(p
43)
Leng
th o
f pec
tora
l fin
less
than
the
dist
ance
bet
wee
n th
e pe
ctor
al fi
n or
igin
and
the
tip o
f the
sno
ut
No
Long
fin m
ako
(p45
)
Dee
p gr
oove
from
beh
ind
eyes
to a
bove
gill
sN
o
esY
Big
eye
thre
sher
(p48
)
Ski
n im
med
iate
ly a
bove
the
base
of t
he
pect
oral
fin
pale
or
whi
te in
col
our
Pel
agic
thre
sher
(p47
)
esY
Thr
eshe
r sh
ark
(p46
)
Hei
ght o
f 2nd
dor
sal f
in e
qual
to
or g
reat
er th
an h
eigh
t of a
nal f
inN
o
esY
Gre
at h
amm
erhe
ad(p
49)
esY
Sca
llope
d ha
mm
erhe
ad(p
50)
No
No
Sm
ooth
ham
mer
head
(p51
)
Ham
mer
-like
hea
d(i.
e. n
ot p
oint
ed)
esY
Ext
rem
ely
long
up
per
tail
lobe
esY
No
No
esY
Sho
rtfin
mak
o(p
44)
12
KEY 4
KEY
4: W
obbe
gong
s an
d so
me
othe
r pat
tern
ed b
otto
m-d
wel
ling
shar
ksW
obbe
gong
s an
d so
me
othe
r pa
ttern
ed b
otto
m-d
wel
ling
shar
ks
No
Cre
sted
ho
rnsh
ark
(p61
)
Yes
Ban
ded
wob
bego
ng(p
54)
No
Orn
ate
wob
bego
ng(p
55)
Bod
y pa
ttern
ing
incl
udes
cl
early
def
ined
whi
te r
ings
No
Yes
Spo
tted
wob
bego
ng(p
56)
Two
war
ty lu
mps
imm
edia
tely
abo
ve (
behi
nd)
each
eye
Dar
k, h
oriz
onta
l, ha
rnes
s-lik
e st
ripes
alo
ng s
ides
of b
ody
Num
erou
s ta
ssel
s an
d sm
all s
kin
lobe
s ex
trud
ing
from
upp
er li
p
Yes
No
Spi
nes
exte
ndin
gfr
om 1
st a
nd 2
nddo
rsal
fin
orig
ins
Yes
Num
erou
s di
stin
ct s
mal
l da
rk d
ots
thro
ugho
ut
uppe
r bo
dy p
atte
rnin
g
Dra
ught
boar
d sh
ark
(p57
)
Yes
Sad
dled
sw
ells
hark
(p58
)
Mor
e th
an fo
ur d
ark
band
s (o
f var
ying
wid
ths)
on
uppe
r bo
dy (
incl
udin
g th
e ta
il) b
ehin
d th
e 1s
t dor
sal f
in
No
Whi
tefin
sw
ells
hark
(p59
)
Yes
Por
t Jac
kson
sh
ark
(p60
)
No
Yes
Fla
ttene
d he
ad, p
ecto
ral f
ins
and
pelv
ic fi
ns o
verla
pY
es
No
Sm
all t
horn
s on
ski
n be
twee
n th
e ey
es
No
Aus
tral
ian
ange
lsha
rk(p
53)
Yes
Eas
tern
ang
elsh
ark
(p52
)
No
13
Saw
shar
ks a
nd o
ther
long
-sno
uted
sha
rks
and
rays
No
Gre
en s
awfis
h(p
64)
Gill
-slit
s on
the
side
of t
he h
ead
inst
ead
of o
n th
e un
ders
ide;
and
tw
o so
ft ba
rbel
s on
the
snou
t
Yes
Bas
e of
sof
t bar
bels
clo
ser
to th
e ey
es th
an to
th
e tip
of t
he s
nout
No
Com
mon
saw
shar
k(p
63)
1st d
orsa
l fin
alm
ost d
irect
ly
abov
e pe
lvic
fins
; and
a
dist
inct
low
er ta
il lo
be
Rou
nded
(ci
rcul
ar)
snou
t
No
Whi
te-s
potte
d gu
itarf
ish
(p67
)
Qui
te s
harp
ly-p
oint
ed s
nout
(le
ss th
an 9
0 de
gree
s)N
o
Yes
Eas
tern
fidd
ler
ray
(p66
)
Yes
Eas
tern
sho
veln
ose
ray
(p68
)
Saw
-too
thed
sno
ut
Yes
No
Onl
y 2-
3 sm
all t
horn
s in
fron
t of e
ach
eye;
and
on
ly 1
-2 s
mal
l tho
rns
next
to e
ach
spira
cle
No
Yes
Yes
Sou
ther
n sa
wsh
ark
(p62
)
No
Gia
nt s
hove
lnos
e ra
y(p
69)
Yes
Sha
rk r
ay(p
65)
KEY 5
KEY
5: S
awsh
arks
and
oth
er lo
ng-s
nout
ed s
hark
s an
d ra
ys
14
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
interdorsal ridge present
precaudal pit present1
2
3
NSW DPI code:SHK-01Sandbar shark
(Carcharhinus plumbeus)
Distinguishing features• Interdorsalridgepresent • 1stdorsalfinoriginwellforwardofthefreereartipsofthepectoralfins1
2• Distinctivelytall1stdorsalfinrelativetobodysize• Relativelyroundedsnoutcomparedwiththebignoseshark3• Upperteethbroadlytriangular;edgesserratedandonlyveryslightly curved Colouration• Pale-bronzetogreyish-brownupperbody;paleunderside• Finsusuallyhavenodistinctivemarkings
Size & Distribution• Born~55-75cm;max~240cm • UsuallydemersalinNSWcoastalandshelfwaterssouthtoatleast Port Macquarie; and to about 280 m depth
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
15
NSW DPI code:SHK-02
interdorsal ridge present
precaudal pit present1 23
Bignose shark (Carcharhinus altimus)
Distinguishing features • Conspicuousinterdorsalridgepresent1• 1stdorsalfinoriginwellforwardofthefreereartipsofthepectoralfins2• 1stdorsalfinnowherenearastallasthatofthesandbarshark• Slightlylongerandmorebluntsnoutcomparedwiththesandbarshark3• Upperteethbroadlytriangular;edgesserratedandmoreorlessstraight
Colouration• Bronzetolight-greyupperbody;verypaleunderside• Upperfinscanhavequitedark,duskytips(mostlyinjuveniles)
Size & Distribution• Born~60-75cm;max~300cm• UncommonlyreportedfromnorthernNSWwaters• Usuallydemersalinoutershelfandslopewatersatdepthsofbetween 80 and 430 m
16
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
1
2 interdorsal ridge present precaudal pit
present
NSW DPI code:SHK-03Dusky whaler
(Carcharhinus obscurus)
Distinguishing features• Lowinterdorsalridgepresent• 1stdorsalfinorigindirectlyaboveorjustbehindthefreereartipsof1
the pectoral fins• Upperteethbroadlytriangular;edgesserratedandgentlycurved(i.e.2
no angular notch)• Relativelyshort,roundedsnoutandthick(stout)bodycomparedwith the similar silky shark Colouration• Bronzy-greytodark-greyupperbody;paleunderside• Finswithindistinctduskytips,moredistinctinjuveniles
Size & Distribution• Born~70-100cm;max.~365cm• UsuallydemersalthroughoutNSWcoastalandshelfwaterstoaround 400 m depth
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
17
NSW DPI code:SHK-04
interdorsal ridge precaudal pit present present
12
3
3
Silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis)
Distinguishing features• Interdorsalridgepresent• 1stdorsalfinoriginwellbehindthefreereartipsofthepectoralfins1
2• Upperteethbroadlytriangular;edgesserratedwithanangularnotch halfway down one edge 3• Distinctivelylongfreereartipsandinnermarginson2nddorsaland anal fins• Moderatelylong,narrowly-roundedsnoutandslenderbodycompared with the similar dusky whaler Colouration• Uniformdark-browntodark-greyupperbody;verypaleunderside• 1stdorsalfinplain;otherfinssometimeswithduskytips Size & Distribution• Born~70-85cm;max.~330cm• Pelagiccoastal,shelfandoceanicwatersoffNSWsouthtoatleastSydney• Usuallynearsurface;mostabundantneartheedgeofthecontinental shelf
18
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
precaudal pit present
1 interdorsal ridgepresent
1
NSW DPI code:SHK-05Oceanic whitetip shark
(Carcharhinus longimanus)
Distinguishing features• Interdorsalridgepresent1• 1stdorsal,pectoral,pelvicandtailfinswithwhitetipsinspecimens >130 cm long• Huge,rounded1stdorsalfinandverylong,widepectoralfins• Quitestockybodywithshort,roundedsnout• Upperteethbroadlytriangular;edgesserrated Colouration• Bronzy-greyupperbody;verypaleunderside-sometimeswitha yellow tinge• Mostfinsofspecimens<130cmlonghavedarktipsthateventually change to white
Size & Distribution• Born~60-65cm;max.~300cm• PelagicoceanicspecieswhichsometimescomesclosetoshoreinNSW waters
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
19
NSW DPI code:SHK-06
precaudal pit present
interdorsal ridge present
2
1
Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)
Distinguishing features• Distinctinterdorsalridge• Darkverticalbarsonbodyofsharksupto300cmlong,butbarsfaint1
or missing in larger adults • Teethinbothjawsbroadandcoarselyserrated,withoneedgedeeply2
notched and the other convex• Quiteslenderbodywitharelativelylargeheadandblunt,almost square-shaped snout Colouration• Upperbodygrey,withverticalbarsinsharks<300cmlong;white underside• Barsfaintormissinginlargeradults Size & Distribution• Born~51-76cm;max.~600cm• Pelagicanddemersal;throughoutNSWcoastalwaterstoatleast150m depth
20
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
precaudal pit present
1
2
1
1
1
no interdorsal ridge
NSW DPI code:SHK-07Common blacktip shark
(Carcharhinus limbatus)
Distinguishing features• Nointerdorsalridge1• Mostfinsusuallyhaveblackorduskytips*,butanalfindoesnothavea distinctive ‘paint-dipped’ black tip (it is slightly dusky or pale-coloured)2• Upperteethserrated;relativelylong,slenderanderect(dagger-like) compared with those of the similar spinner shark • 1stdorsalfinoriginslightlyforwardofthefreereartipsofthepectoralfins
*Note:largeradultsmaylackblacktip–ifso,carefullyinspectteeth Colouration• Bronzetogreyupperbody;paleunderside• Mostfinsusuallyhaveblackordarkduskytips(someadultsmaylack distinctive fin markings)
Size & Distribution• Born~40-70cm;max.~250cm• PelagicanddemersalinNSWcoastalandshelfwaterssouthtoatleast Sydney
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
21
NSW DPI code:SHK-08Spinner shark
(Carcharhinus brevipinna)
Distinguishing features• Nointerdorsalridge1• Mostfinshaveblackorduskytips2• Analfinalmostalwayshasdistinctiveblacktipthatlookslikeithas been dipped in black paint (i.e. not just a dusky colouration)3• Upperteethslenderandfinelyserrated;verysmall(eveninlarge sharks) compared with the long, pointed teeth of the similar-looking common blacktip shark• 1stdorsalfinorigininlinewithorslightlybehindfreereartipsofthe pectoral fins Colouration• Bronzetogreyupperbody;paleunderside• Finsplainatbirth(60-80cmlong)butblacktipswillhavedevelopedon most fins (except pelvic fins) by 130 cm long Size & Distribution• Born~60-80cm;max.~280cm• Usuallydemersaltoatleast75mdepthinNSWcoastalandshelf waters south to at least Jervis Bay
no interdorsal ridgeprecaudal pit
1 present1
3
2
1
22
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
no interdorsal ridgeprecaudal pit present
3
12
1
NSW DPI code:SHK-09Blue shark
(Prionace glauca)
Distinguishing features• Nointerdorsalridge• Noconspicuousfinmarkings• Nospinesondorsalfins1• 2nddorsalfinlessthanhalftheheightofthe1stdorsalfin2• 1stdorsalfinoriginwellbehindthefreereartipsofthepectoralfins3• Verylongpectoralfinsthataremorethantwicethelengthofthe1st dorsal fin• Slenderbodywithlongsnout• Caudalpedunclewithweaklateralkeels• Teethwithcurvededges,notheavilyindented Colouration• Brightblue(indigoblue)upperbodythatfadestogreyquitequickly after death; white underside
Size & Distribution• Born~35-50cm;max.~380cm• Pelagic–usuallynearsurface;shelfandoceanicwatersthroughoutNSW• Mostabundantneartheedgeofthecontinentalshelf,butfoundcloser inshore where the continental shelf is narrow
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
23
NSW DPI code:SHK-10
no interdorsal ridgeprecaudal pit present
121
3
Sliteye shark (Loxodon macrorhinus)
Distinguishing features• Nointerdorsalridge• Noconspicuousfinmarkings• Nospinesondorsalfins1• 2nddorsalfinlessthanhalftheheightofthe1stdorsalfin2• 1stdorsalfinoriginwellbehindthefreereartipsofthepectoralfins3• Pectoralfinsthesamelengthas,oronlyslightlylargerthantheheight of the 1st dorsal fin• Small,slendersharkwithrelativelylargeeyesforitssize• Small,smooth-edgedteethwithoneedgeheavilyindented• 2nddorsalfinoriginbehindanalfinattachment
Colouration• Bronzetogreyishupperbody;paleunderside• Trailingedgeofpectoralfinspale• 1stdorsalandtailfinssometimesdark-edged Size & Distribution• Born~40-45cm;max.~90cm• Demersal;possiblyinfarnorthernNSWcoastalandshelfwaterstoat least 100 m depth
24
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
no interdorsal ridgeprecaudal pit present1
2
NSW DPI code:SHK-11Bull shark
(Carcharhinus leucas)
Distinguishing features• Nointerdorsalridge• Nodistinctivefinmarkingsinadults• Nospinesondorsalfins• 1stdorsalfinoriginforwardofthefreereartipsofthepectoralfins1
• Upperteethbroadlytriangularandheavilyserratedwithmoreorless2
straight edges• Stout-bodiedwithabluntsnoutcomparedwiththebronzewhaler• Relativelylarge2nddorsalfin(usuallyaboutathirdoftheheight of the 1st dorsal fin) compared with the bronze whaler
Colouration• Greyupperbody;paleunderside• Finsofadultswithnodistinctivemarkings,butjuvenilesoftenwith dusky-black fin tips
Size & Distribution• Born~55-80cm;max.~340cm• UsuallydemersalinNSWcoastalandshelfwaters(toatleast150m depth), estuaries and rivers south to at least Wollongong
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
25
NSW DPI code:SHK-12
no interdorsal ridgeprecaudal pit present
12
Bronze whaler (Carcharhinus brachyurus)
Distinguishing features• Usually(i.e.almostalways)nointerdorsalridge• Nodistinctivefinmarkings• Nospinesondorsalfins• 1stdorsalfinoriginusuallyinlinewithorslightlyforwardofthefree1
rear tips of the pectoral fins• Upperteethbroad-basedbutnarrowlytriangular,distinctivelycurved2
(hook-shaped) and finely serrated• Relativelylong,roundedsnoutcomparedwiththebullshark• Relativelysmall2nddorsalfin(usuallylessthanaquarteroftheheight of the 1st dorsal fin) compared with the bull shark
Colouration• Bronzetogreyishupperbody;creamywhiteunderside• Finslackdistinctivemarkingsalthoughmarginsandtipscanbedusky
Size & Distribution• Born~60-70cm;max.~300cm• Pelagicanddemersal;throughoutNSWcoastalwaterstoatleast100m depth
26
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
no interdorsal ridge
precaudal pit present
4
3
1
2
1
NSW DPI code:SHK-13Weasel shark
(Hemigaleus australiensis, previously known as H. microstoma)
Distinguishing features• Nointerdorsalridge• Noconspicuousfinmarkingsalthoughtipsmightbedusky• Nospinesondorsalfins• 2nddorsalfinatleasthalftheheightofthe1stdorsalfin1
• 2nddorsalfinoriginmuchclosertotheanalfinoriginthantothefree2
rear tips of the pelvic fins• Upperteethwithoneedgecoarsely-serrated(comb-like)andtheother3
edge smooth4• Notchatbackcornerofeachalmond-shapedeye,andspiraclespresent
Colouration• Greyishtobronzeupperbody;paleunderside• 2nddorsalanduppertailfintipsusuallyduskyinsmallerindividuals but fading in larger ones
Size & Distribution• Born~30cm;max.~110cm• Usuallydemersal;possiblyinfarnorthernNSWcoastalandshelf watersto~170mdepth
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
27
NSW DPI code:SHK-14
precaudal pit present
no interdorsal ridge
4
31
2
1
Lemon shark(Negaprion acutidens)
Distinguishing features• Nointerdorsalridge• Noconspicuousfinmarkings• Nospinesondorsalfins1• 2nddorsalfinatleasthalftheheightofthe1stdorsalfin2• 2nddorsalfinoriginclosertotheanalfinoriginthantothefree rear tips of the pelvic fins 3• Upperandlowerteethnarrowlytriangularandsmooth-edged (dagger-like); no cusplets• Stockyandrobustbodywithbroad,bluntsnout4 Eye rounded in shape – no notch immediately behind eye
Colouration• Pale-yellowtolight-brownorgreyupperbody;whitishunderside• Noconspicuousfinmarkings
Size & Distribution• Born~50-70cm;max.~300cm• Usuallydemersal;possiblyinfarnorthernNSWcoastalandestuarine watersto~30mdepth
28
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
no interdorsal ridge
precaudal pit present
1
3
2
1
NSW DPI code:SHK-PROTECTEDGrey nurse shark
(Carcharias taurus)
Distinguishing features• Nointerdorsalridge •Noconspicuousfinmarkings• Nospinesondorsalfins1• 1stand2nddorsalfinsalmostthesamesize2• 2nddorsalfinoriginclosertothefreereartipsofthepelvicfinsthanto the anal fin origin3• Usuallywithbrownspotsonsidesofthebody(flanks)• Analfinsimilarinsizetobothdorsalfins• Teethlong,thin,non-serrated(i.e.stiletto-shaped)andprotruding from mouth; single cusplets either side of main cusp
Colouration• Greytobronzeupperbody;paletowhiteunderside• Darkspotsofvaryingsizeontheflanks(andsometimesfins)aremore distinct in juveniles
Size & Distribution• Born~100cm;max.~350cm• DemersalincoastalandpossiblydeepershelfwatersthroughoutNSW• Knowntooccurinshoreinsmallgroupsindeepgutters(15-40m) around rocky outcrops, bomboras and reefs
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
29
NSW DPI code:SHK-
no interdorsal ridgeprecaudal pit present
1
2
1
3
PROTECTEDSandtiger shark (Herbst’s nurse shark)(Odontaspis ferox)
Distinguishing features• Nointerdorsalridge •Noconspicuousfinmarkings• Nospinesondorsalfins• 2nddorsalfinapproximatelythree-quarterstheheightofthe1st 1
dorsal fin2• 2nddorsalfinoriginclosertothefreereartipsofthepelvicfinsthanto the anal fin origin3• Rarelywithbrownspotsonbody• Analfinsimilarsizeto2nddorsalfin,butsmallerthan1stdorsalfin• Teeththinandpointy;twinortripletcuspletseithersideofmaincusp
Colouration• Mediumtodarkgreyupperbody;paletowhiteunderside• Juvenilesmayhaveslightlyduskymarginsandtipsonbothdorsalfins and the tail • Sometimeswithdarkerspotsscatteredontheflanks
Size & Distribution• Born~100cm;max.~450cm• Demersal;usuallyinoutershelfandslopewatersto450mdepth throughout NSW; sometimes found closer to the coast
30
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
no precaudal pit
31
2
3
4
NSW DPI code:SHK-15
Distinguishing features1• Sixgillslits• Onedorsalfinonly2
• Distancebetweenendtipoftheanalfinandthelowertail-lobeorigin3
very similar to the distance between end tip of the pelvic fin and the anal fin origin• Palestreakpresentalonglateralline4
• Bodybulkywithshort,wide,bluntsnout• Singledorsalfinwellbackonthebody
Colouration• Lightordarkgreytodarkbrownupperbody;greyish-whiteunderside• Palestreakusuallypresentalonglateralline• Finswiththinwhitetrailingedges
Size & Distribution• Born~65cm;max.~480cm• Demersalinshelfandupperslopewatersto2000mdepth–possibly along entire NSW shelf from north to south
Bluntnose sixgill shark (Hexanchus griseus)
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
31
NSW DPI code:SHK-16
no precaudal pit
31
2
3
Distinguishing features• Sixgillslits1
2• Onedorsalfinonly3• Distancebetweenendtipoftheanalfinandthelowertail-lobeorigin more than twice the distance between the end tip of the pelvic fin and the anal fin origin• Nopalestreakalonglateralline• Bodybulkywithshort,slender,bluntsnout• Singledorsalfinwellbackonthebody
Colouration• Brownish-greyupperbody;paleunderside• Finswithwhitetrailingedges
Size & Distribution• Born~40-45cm;max.~180cm• DemersalinshelfandupperslopewatersofnorthernNSWsouthtoat least Coffs Harbour• Foundatdepthsofbetween100and700m
Bigeye sixgill shark(Hexanchus nakamurai)
32
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
no precaudal pit
2
1
3
NSW DPI code:SHK-17
Distinguishing features• Sevengillslits1
• Onedorsalfinonly2
• Upperbodypepperedwithblackand/orwhitespots3
• Distancebetweenendtipoftheanalfinandthelowertail-lobeorigin very similar to the distance between end tip of the pelvic fin and the anal fin origin• Bodybulkywithshort,wide,bluntsnout
Colouration• Silvery-greytobrownishupperbody;whiteunderside• Upperbodyandfinssprinkledwithblackandwhitespotsandsmall blotches
Size & Distribution• Born~40-45cm;max.~300cm• DemersalincoastalandshelfwatersofsouthernNSWnorthtoatleast Sydney, and at depths of at least 150 m
Broadnose shark (Notorynchus cepedianus)
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
33
NSW DPI code:SHK-18
no precaudal pit
2
1
3
Distinguishing features• Sevengillslits1
• Onedorsalfinonly2
3• Nospotsorpepperingonupperbody• Distancebetweenendtipoftheanalfinandthelowertail-lobeorigin more than twice the distance between the end tip of the pelvic fin and the anal fin origin • Bodyslenderwithnarrow,pointedhead
Colouration• Plainbrownish-greyupperbody;paleunderside• Darktipsondorsalfinanduppertaillobe
Size & Distribution• Born~25cm;max.~140cm• DemersalinallNSWshelfandupperslopewatersdowntoatleast 1000 m depth
Sharpnose sevengill shark(Heptranchias perlo)
34
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
precaudal pit present
2
1
3
no interdorsal ridge
4
NSW DPI code:SHK-19
Distinguishing features• Nointerdorsalridge• Nodistinctblacktipsonfins• Prominentspinesextendingfrom1stand2nddorsalfinorigins1
• Trailingedgeoftailsmoothlyroundedandwithoutsub-apicalnotch2
• Obviousbutsmudgydarkpatchonthetailandatthecentreofits3
trailing edge• Slender-bodiedshark;analfinabsent4
• Dorsalfinsgreyandcommonlywithslightlydarkertipandtrailingedge
Colouration• Darkgreyupperbody;paletowhiteunderside• Tailmostlygreyishwithabroaddarkishareaalongthecentrethe trailing edge• Tipsofupperandlowerlobesoftailwhitish
Size & Distribution• Born~20cm;max.~110cm• DemersalonoutershelfandupperslopeinNSWwatersatbetween 150 and 600 m depth
Dark-tailed dogfishes Greeneye dogfish - Squalus choloroculus Northern greeneye dogfish - Squalus montalbani Eastern longnose dogfish - Squalus grahami This example:
Northern greeneye dogfish
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
35
NSW DPI code:SHK-20
precaudal pit present
2
1
3
no interdorsal ridge
4
Distinguishing features• Nointerdorsalridge• Nodistinctblacktipsonfins• Prominentspinesextendingfrom1stand2nddorsalfinorigins1
2• Trailingedgeoftailsmoothlyroundedandwithoutsub-apicalnotch• Nodarkpatchonthetail–entiretrailingedgeoftailpaleorwhite3
4• Slender-bodiedshark;analfinabsent• Uppermarginsofdorsalfinsmaybeslightlydark
Colouration• Pale-greyishtobrownishupperbody;pale/whiteunderside• Tailmostlygreyishwithawhiteorverypaletrailingedge
Size & Distribution• Born~20cm;max.~90cm• DemersalonoutershelfandupperslopeinNSWwatersatbetween 150 and 400 m depth
White-tailed dogfishesSpiky dogfish - Squalus megalops Eastern highfin dogfish - Squalus albifrons
This example: Spiky dogfish
This example: Northern greeneye dogfish
36
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
no interdorsal ridge
precaudal pit present
4
2
1
3
3
5
NSW DPI code:SHK-21
Distinguishing features• Nointerdorsalridge •Nodistinctblacktipsonfins• Prominentspinesextendingfrom1stand2nddorsalfinorigins1
2• Trailingedgeoftailwithnotch(orflap)–i.e.notsmoothlyrounded• Heightof2nddorsalfinatleasttwo-thirdsthatofthe1stdorsalfin3
• Smallwhitespotinthemiddleoftheuppersurfaceofthesnout4
• Distancefromsnouttiptofrontcornerofeyeequalorslightlyless than distance from front corner of eye to the spiracle• Noanalfin5
Colouration• Upperbodylightbrowninadults,greyinjuveniles;paleunderside• Tipsandtrailingedgesofdorsalfinscanbedark,butmuchlesssoin adults• Usuallyasmallwhitespotinthemiddleoftheuppersurfaceofthesnout
Size & Distribution• Born~40cm;malesmax.~90cm;femalesmax.~110cm• DemersalonupperslopeinNSWwatersnorthtoatleastCrowdyHead, and at depths of between 250 and 800 m
Southern dogfish (Centrophorus zeehaani)
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
37
NSW DPI code:SHK-22
no interdorsal ridge
precaudal pit present
4
2
1
3
3
5
Distinguishing features• Nointerdorsalridge •Nodistinctblacktipsonfins• Prominentspinesextendingfrom1stand2nddorsalfinorigins1
2• Trailingedgeoftailwithnotch(orflap)–i.e.notsmoothlyrounded• Heightof2nddorsalfinatleasttwo-thirdsthatofthe1stdorsalfin3
• Nosmallwhitespotinmiddleofuppersurfaceofsnout4
• Distancefromthesnouttiptothefrontcornerofeyenoticeably greater (about 1.4 x) than the distance from front corner of the eye to the spiracle5• Noanalfin
Colouration• Light-greyishorbrownishupperbody;paleunderside• Tailmostlygreyishwithaslightlydarkerposteriorhalfoftail-flaps• Upperfrontofdorsalfinswithdarkpatch;lessobviousinadults• Oftenadarksmudgearoundthebasesofdorsalfins
Size & Distribution• Born~40cm;malesmax.~95cm;femalesmax.~110cm.• DemersalonupperslopeinNSWwatersnorthtoatleastCoffsHarbour, and at depths of between 250 and 1000 m
Harrisson’s dogfish (Centrophorus harrissoni)
38
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
no interdorsal ridgeprecaudal pit present
4
2
1
3
3
5
NSW DPI code:SHK-23
Distinguishing features• Nointerdorsalridge• Nodistinctblacktipsonfins1• Prominentspinesextendingfrom1stand2nddorsalfinorigins2• Trailingedgeoftailwithnotch(orflap)–i.e.notsmoothlyrounded3• Heightof2nddorsalfinabouthalfthatofthe1stdorsalfin4• Nosmallwhitespotinmiddleofuppersurfaceofsnout5• Noanalfin
Colouration• Light-greyishorbrownishupperbody;paleunderside• Tailmostlygreyishwithapaletrailingedge• Smallerindividualswithdarkblotchesnearthetipofthe1stdorsalfin
Size & Distribution• Born~40cm;malesmax.~85cm;femalesmax.~95cm• DemersalonoutershelfandupperslopeinNSWwatersatbetween 150 and 650 m depth
Endeavour dogfish (Centrophorus moluccensis)
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
39
NSW DPI code:SHK-24
1
2
3
no precaudal pit
Distinguishing features• Fivegillslits1
2• Numeroussmallwhitespotsonupperbody;spotslessprominenton northern NSW specimens • Nospinesextendingfromdorsalfinorigins• Slendersharkwith2nddorsalfinaboutthree-quartersthesizeofthe 1st dorsal fin and much larger than the anal fin• 2nddorsalfinorigininfrontofanalfinorigin3• Flat,crushingteeth
Colouration• Greyish-brownonupperbodywithnumeroussmallwhitespots;pale underside
Size & Distribution• Born~30-35cm;max.~130cm• Demersalincoastal,shelfandslopewatersthroughoutNSWtoabout 500 m depth
Gummy shark (Mustelus antarcticus)
40
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
no precaudal pit
1
2
33
NSW DPI code:SHK-25
Distinguishing features1• Fivegillslits• Nowhitespotsonupperbody2
3• 2nddorsalfinmorethanhalftheheightofthe1stdorsalfinand much larger than the anal fin• Slender-bodiedshark• Nospinesextendingfromdorsalfinorigins• Teethwithveryangledmaincusp;comb-likeserrationsononeedge
Colouration• Bronzetogreyish-brownupperbody;paleunderside• Dorsalanduppercaudalfinduskyontips
Size & Distribution• Born~35cm;max.~130cm• DemersalincoastalandshelfwatersthroughoutNSWatdepthsof between 40 and 230 m
Pencil shark (Hypogaleus hyugaensis)
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
41
NSW DPI code:SHK-26
no precaudal pit
1
2
3
3
Distinguishing features• Fivegillslits1
2• Nowhitespotsonupperbody3• 2nddorsalfinclearlylessthanhalftheheightofthe1stdorsalfinand about the same size as the anal fin• Slender-bodiedsharkwithaverylargenotch(flap)ontheunderside of the upper lobe of the tail fin• Nospinesextendingfromdorsalfinorigins• Pointed,almosttriangularteeth;serrationsontheupperhalfofoneedge
Colouration• Bronzetogreyish-brownupperbody;paleunderside• Undersidenearsnouttipoftentranslucent
Size & Distribution• Born~30cm;max.~180cm• Demersalincoastal,shelfandslopewatersthroughoutNSW
School shark (Galeorhinus galeus)
42
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
1
4
2
3
NSW DPI code:PROTECTEDSHK-Great white shark
(Carcharodon carcharias)
Distinguishing features• Pointed,conicalsnout1
2• Crescent-shapedtail–upperandlowertaillobesofquitesimilarlength3• Large,broadlytriangular,serratedteeth• Pectoralfinsusuallywithduskytipsonunderside4• Prominentlateralkeeloncaudalpeduncle,butnosecondarykeelon caudal peduncle
Colouration• Greytobrownishupperbody,mergingabruptlyfromthatcolouron the flanks to an entirely white underside
Size & Distribution• Born~130cm;max.possibly~700cm• Demersalandpelagicthroughoutcoastal,shelfandoceanicwatersof NSW to about 1200 m depth
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
43
NSW DPI code:SHK-27
1
2
3
2
Porbeagle shark (Lamna nasus)
Distinguishing features• Pointed,conicalsnout1
• Crescent-shapedtailwithsecondarykeelbelowtheextensionofthe2
main caudal peduncle keel• Moderatelylong,slender,smooth-edgedteethwithalateralcuspleton3
either side• Bodystout;snoutrelativelylongandconical
Colouration• Bluish-greyupperbody;whiteunderside• Juvenileswithduskypatchesbeneathpectoralfinsandundersideof gill slits
Size & Distribution• Born~70-80cm;max.~300cm• UncommonlyreportedfrompelagicshelfandoceanicNSWwaters from the surface to at least 350 m depth
44
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
1
4
2
3
5
5
NSW DPI code:SHK-28Shortfin mako shark
(Isurus oxyrinchus)
Distinguishing features1• Pointed,conicalsnout• Crescent-shapedtail–upperandlowertaillobesofquitesimilarlength2
• Long,slender,pointedteeth(notserratedandwithoutcusplets)that3
protrude noticeably from mouth4• Nosecondarykeeloncaudalpeduncle5• Pectoralfinlengthslightlylessthanthedistancebetweenthepectoral fin origin and the snout tip• Upperandlowerteethflexed,withtipsreversed
Colouration• Upperbodyindigo-blue,mergingabruptlyfromlighterblue/silveron the flanks to an entirely white underside• Undersideofsnoutiswhite
Size & Distribution• Born~70cm;max.~400cm• Pelagicthroughoutcoastal,shelfandoceanicwatersofNSWtoatleast 150 m depth
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
45
NSW DPI code:SHK-29
2
1
4
34
Longfin mako shark (Isurus paucus)
Distinguishing features• Pointed,conicalsnout1
• Crescent-shapedtail–upperandlowertaillobesofquitesimilarlength2
• Long,slender,pointedteeth(notserratedandwithoutcusplets)that protrude noticeably from mouth (teeth similar to shortfin mako)• Nosecondarykeeloncaudalpeduncle3
4• Pectoralfinlengthsimilarto,orgreaterthanthedistancebetweenthe pectoral fin origin and the snout tip • Thecuspsofupperandloweranteriorteetharestraight,withtipsnot reversed
Colouration• Darkslaty-blueorgrey-blackupperbody;mainlywhiteunderside• Undersideofsnoutandjawsdarkinadultsandlargejuveniles
Size & Distribution• Born90-120cm;max.~420cm• PossiblyinnorthernNSWwaters(atleast)• Thoughttobedeep-dwellinginmostlyoffshoreandoceanicwaters
46
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
1
2
3
4
NSW DPI code:SHK-30Thresher shark
(Alopias vulpinus)
Distinguishing features• Roundedandonlyslightlypointedsnout1
• Verylonguppertaillobe–similarinlengthtobody(excludingtail)2
• Nogrooveonhead3
• Whitepatchesabovepectoralandpelvicfinorigins4
• Eyeslarge,butdonotextendontothedorsalsurfaceofthehead• Headstronglyarchedbetweeneyes
Colouration• Blue-greyupperbodywithametalliclustrewhenalive;white underside
Size & Distribution• Born~115-150cm;max.~550cm• Mainlypelagicthroughoutcoastal,shelfandoceanicwatersofNSWto about 400 m depth
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
47
NSW DPI code:SHK-31
1 4
2
3
Pelagic thresher (Alopias pelagicus)
Distinguishing features• Roundedandonlyslightlypointedsnout1
• Verylonguppertaillobe–similarinlengthtobody(excludingtail)2
• Nogrooveonhead3
4• Skincolouringimmediatelyabovepectoralandpelvicfinoriginsdark in colour (i.e. no white patches)• Eyeslarge,butdonotextendontodorsalsurfaceofhead• Headstronglyarchedbetweeneyes
Colouration• Palegreyupperbody;whiteunderside• Areaabovegillsandflankregionmayhaveametallicsilveryhue
Size & Distribution• Born~100cm;max.~350cm• Pelagic;possiblyinnorthernNSWwaters
48
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
3
1
2
4
NSW DPI code:SHK-32Bigeye thresher
(Alopias superciliosus)
Distinguishing features• Roundedandonlyslightlypointedsnout1
• Verylonguppertaillobe–similarinlengthtobody(excludingtail)2
3• Pronouncedgroovefromabovetheeyesanddowneachsideofthe head to above the gills 4• Skincolouringimmediatelyabovepectoralandpelvicfinoriginsdark in colour (i.e. no white patches)• Bigeyesthatextendontodorsalsurfaceofthehead,whichisnearly flat between the eyes
Colouration• Purplishtoviolet-greyupperbody;creamywhiteunderside• Flanksmayhaveametallicsheen
Size & Distribution• Born~65-100cm;max.~460cm• Mainlypelagicthroughoutcoastal,shelfandoceanicwatersofNSWto about 500 m depth
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
49
NSW DPI code:SHK-33
3
1
2
4
2
Great hammerhead(Sphyrna mokarran)
Distinguishing features• Hammer-likehead1
• Heightof2nddorsalfinequaltoorslightlygreaterthanheightofanalfin2
• Frontmarginofheadnearlystraightandwithaslightindentationatits3
centre4• Extremelytall,sickle-shaped1stdorsalfin• Teethwithclearserrations
Colouration• Bronzytogreyish-brownupperbody;paleunderside• Nofinmarkingsinadults;2nddorsalfintipdarkinjuveniles
Size & Distribution• Born~60cm;max.~600cm• PelagicanddemersalthroughoutnorthernNSWcoastalandshelf waters south to at least Sydney
50
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
1
2
2
3
NSW DPI code:SHK-34Scalloped hammerhead
(Sphyrna lewini)
Distinguishing features1• Hammer-likehead2• 2nddorsalfinsmallerthananalfin• Distinctiveindentationincentreoffrontmarginofthehead3
3• Frontmarginofheadcurvesbackfromthemiddle• Teethsmoothedged(oratmostweaklyserrated)
Colouration• Olive-bronzetobrownish-greyupperbody;paleunderside• Undersideofpectoral-fintipsduskyinadults;nootherfinmarkings• Pectoral,lowertailand2nddorsalfintipsdarkinjuveniles
Size & Distribution• Born~45-50cm;max.~350cm• PelagicanddemersalthroughoutnorthernNSWcoastalandshelf waters south to at least Sydney
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
51
NSW DPI code:SHK-35
2
2
1
3
Smooth hammerhead(Sphyrna zygaena)
Distinguishing features1• Hammer-likehead2• 2nddorsalfinsmallerthananalfin3• Noindentationincentreoffrontmarginofthehead3• Frontmarginofheadcurvesbackfromthemiddle• Narrow,slanting,finelyserrated(occasionallysmoothedged)teeth Colouration• Olivetodark-greyishbrownupperbody;whiteunderside• Ventraltipsofpectoralfinsdusky
Size & Distribution• Born~50-60cm;max.~350cm• PelagicanddemersalthroughoutNSWcoastalandshelfwaters
52
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
3
1
2
NSW DPI code:SHK-36Eastern angelshark
(Squatina albipunctata)
Distinguishing features• Twotassellednasalbarbelsextrudingfromtheupperlipinfrontoftheeyes1
• Nospinesextendingfromdorsalfinorigins2• Flattenedhead,pectoralandpelvicfinsoverlappingalongthelength of the body3• Topofheadbetweeneyesconcave(depressed)withthornspresent• Lowerlobeoftaildominatedbypalespots,withonlyafewdarkspots present
Colouration• Yellowish-brownupperbodywithnumeroussharplydefinedsmall dark edged white spots; white underside• Severallighterordarkerbrownishblotchesscatteredmore-or-less regularly
Size & Distribution• Born~25-30cm;max~130cm• DemersalthroughoutshelfwatersofNSWatdepthsofbetween~50 and 400 m depth
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
53
NSW DPI code:SHK-37
3
1
2
Australian angelshark (Squatina australis)
Distinguishing features• Twotassellednasalbarbelsextrudingfromtheupperlipinfrontoftheeyes1
• Nospinesextendingfromdorsalfinorigins• Flattenedhead,pectoralandpelvicfinsoverlappingalongthelength2
of the body• Areaontopofheadbetweeneyesflatorslightlyraisedwithnothorns3
present• Numerousdarkspotsonlowerlobeoftail
Colouration• Sandycolouredupperbodywithdensepatternofsmallirregularwhite spots and flecks; underside uniformly pale• Marginsofpectoralandpelvicfinswithwhiteedgesinterspersedwith dark markings
Size & Distribution• Born~25-30cm;max~120cm• Demersalthroughoutcoastalandshelfwatersofsouthernandcentral NSW north to at least Port Macquarie, and to about 150 m depth
54
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
1
3
2
NSW DPI code:SHK-38Banded wobbegong
(Orectolobus halei)
Distinguishing features1• Numeroustasselsandsmallskinlobesextrudingfromalongtheentire length of the upper lip2• Anywhitepatterningondorsalsurfacenotintheformofclearrings3• Twowart-like‘knobs’above(immediatelybehind)theeyes• LargestwobbegonginNSW;previouslyconfusedwithornate wobbegong• Darkerpatterningthanthespottedwobbegong• Nospinesextendingfromdorsalfinorigins
Colouration• Lightanddarkbrownupperbodywith9blotch-shapedsaddlesthat have conspicuous black, corrugated borders; creamy white or yellow underside• Lightbrownandgreyfreckle-likeblotchesbetweensaddles
Size & Distribution• Born~25-35cm;max.ofatleast220cm• DemersalthroughoutshallowcoastalandshelfwatersofNSWto about 100 m depth
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
55
NSW DPI code:SHK-39Ornate wobbegong
(Orectolobus ornatus)
Distinguishing features• Numeroustasselsandsmallskinlobesextrudingfromalongtheentire1
length of the upper lip2• Anywhitepatterningondorsalsurfacenotintheformofclearrings3• Nowart-like‘knobs’above(immediatelybehind)theeyes• Onlygrowstoamaximumof~110cm• Nospinesextendingfromdorsalfinorigins• Greenerandgreyerbackthanthebandedwobbegong,andwitha more ‘speckled/freckled’ upper body
Colouration• Similarpatterningtobandedwobbegong• Veryornateandmulticolouredpatterning• Yellowish-browntogreyish-brownupperbodywithdarkercorrugated saddles; creamy white or yellow underside • Lightbrownfreckle-likeblotcheswithinandin-betweensaddles
Size & Distribution• Born~20cm;max.~110cm• Demersalthroughoutshallowcoastalandshelfwatersofnorthernand central NSW south to at least Sydney, and to about 70 m depth
2
1
3
56
Distinguishing features• Numeroustasselsandsmallskinlobesextrudingfromalongtheentire1
length of the upper lip2• Distinctivepatternofwhiteringsoverentiredorsalsurface• Distinctivelypalerincolourthanotherwobbegongs• Nospinesextendingfromdorsalfinorigins
Colouration• Paleyellow/brownupperbodywithslightlydarkerblotch-shaped saddles; creamy white or yellow underside • Numerouswhiteringsformedfromchainsofsmallwhitespotsor flecks
Size & Distribution• Born~25cm;max.ofatleast170cm• DemersalthroughoutshallowcoastalandshelfwatersofNSW
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
2
1
NSW DPI code:SHK- 40Spotted wobbegong
(Orectolobus maculatus)
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
57
NSW DPI code:SHK- 41
2
1
Draughtboard shark(Cephaloscyllium laticeps)
Distinguishing features• Notasselsorskinlobesextrudingfromtheupperlip(althoughtwo1
simple nasal barbels present)• Nospinesextendingfromdorsalfinorigins;andhead,pectoralfins and pelvic fins do not overlap2• Numerousdarkblotchesandsmaller,scattered,distinctdarkdotson upper body• Typicallyinflatetheirbellywithwaterorairwhencaptured• Adultsnormallywithadarkmedianstripealongmidlineofbelly
Colouration• Medium-brownishtogreyishupperbodyornamentedwithadense array of dark blotches and smaller very dark dots; usually also with a scattering of pale flecks• Paleundersideadultsnormallywithadarkmedianstripealong midline of belly
Size & Distribution• Max:~100cm• DemersalthroughoutcoastalandshelfwatersofsouthernNSWnorth toatleastJervisBay,andatdepthsto~350m
58
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
3
1
2
NSW DPI code:SHK-42Saddled swellshark
(Cephaloscyllium variegatum)
Distinguishing features• Notasselsorskinlobesextrudingfromtheupperlip(althoughtwo1
simple nasal barbels present)• Nospinesextendingfromdorsalfinorigins;andhead,pectoralfins and pelvic fins do not overlap2• Few,ifany,distinctdarkdotsonupperbody3• Morethanfourdarkbandsorblotchesontheupperbodybehindthe 1st dorsal fin origin (including the tail)• Typicallyinflatetheirbellywithwaterorairwhencaptured• Nodarkstripealongmidlineofbelly
Colouration• Lightbrownupperbodyandsideswithabout11darker,weakly defined saddles of varying widths along its length; pale underside• Distinctdarkerspotinthemiddleofmanyofthelighterpatchesabove backbone
Size & Distribution• Max:~75cm• DemersalthroughoutoutershelfandupperslopewatersofNSWsouthto at least Tathra, and at depths between 100 and 600 m
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
59
NSW DPI code:SHK-43
3
1
2
Whitefin swellshark(Cephaloscyllium albipinnum)
Distinguishing features1• Notasselsorskinlobesextrudingfromtheupperlip(althoughtwo simple nasal barbels present)• Nospinesextendingfromdorsalfinorigins;andhead,pectoralfins and pelvic fins do not overlap• Few,ifany,distinctdarkdotsonupperbody2
3• Nomorethanfourdistinctdarkbandsorblotchesontheupperbody behind the 1st dorsal fin origin (including the tail)• Typicallyinflatetheirbellywithwaterorairwhencaptured• Nodarkstripealongmidlineofbelly
Colouration• Greyish-brownupperbodyandsideswithseveraldarkersaddlesand large blotches forming 9-10 cross-markings on upper body and tail; pale underside• Narrow,palemarginonmostfins
Size & Distribution• Max:~105cm• Demersalthroughoutoutershelfandupperslopewatersofsouthern NSW north to at least Batemans Bay, and at depths between 125 and 550 m
60
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
3
1
2
NSW DPI code:SHK-44Port Jackson shark
(Heterodontus portusjacksoni)
Distinguishing features1• Notasselsorskinlobesextrudingfromtheupperlip• Prominentspinesextendingfromoriginsofbothdorsalfins2
3• Darkmarkingsonbodybehindheadinshapeofaharness–thin horizontal stripes• Box-likeheadshape• Crestsaboveeyesslopeawaygraduallybehindeyes
Colouration• Mostlygreyish-brownupperbody(includingdorsalfins)• Darkharness-likebarbetweeneyesandinfrontof1stdorsalfinorigin extends onto upper surfaces of pectoral fins • Obliquedarkstripesextendhorizontallytowardstail
Size & Distribution• Born~20-25cm;max.~150cm• DemersalthroughoutcoastalandshelfwatersofNSWtoabout300m depth; most common in shallower coastal waters
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
61
NSW DPI code:SHK-45
1
2
3
Crested hornshark(Heterodontus galeatus)
Distinguishing features• Notasselsorskinlobesextrudingfromtheupperlip1
2• Prominentspinesextendingfromoriginsofbothdorsalfins3• Darkmarkingsonbodybehindheadinshapeofsaddles–i.e.nothin horizontal harness-like stripes• Box-likeheadshape• Veryhighcrestsaboveeyesterminatingabruptlybehindeyes
Colouration• Mostlyyellowish-brownupperbody;paledorsalfin• Thick,darkverticalbarsoneithersideofbodybelow1stdorsalfin• Darksaddlesbetweendorsalfinsandbehind2nddorsalfin
Size & Distribution• Born~20-25cm;max.~100cm• Demersalthroughoutcoastalandshelfwatersofnorthernandcentral NSW south to at least Batemans Bay, and to about 150 m depth
62
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
3
1
2
NSW DPI code:SHK-46
Distinguishing features
• Long,saw-toothedsnoutwithlong,softbarbels(feelers)present1
2• Gillslitslocatedonthesideofhead–notentirelyventrally3• Softbarbels(feelers)locatednoticeablyclosertotheeyesthantothe saw-tip• 17-19largeteethoneachsideofsnout
Colouration• Lightgreyupperbody;whiteunderside• Twofaintbrownishstripesalongthetopofthesnout;sidesofthesaw are often darker
Size & Distribution• Born~25cm;max.~100cm• Demersalthroughoutcoastalandshelfwatersofsouthernandcentral NSW north to at least Newcastle, and at depths shallower than 75 m
Southern sawshark (Pristiophorus nudipinnis)
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
63
NSW DPI code:SHK- 47
3
1
Note: patterning typical of those from southern NSW waters – further north there is probably no patterning.
2
Distinguishing features 1• Long,saw-toothedsnoutwithlong,softbarbels(feelers)present2• Gillslitslocatedonthesideofhead–notentirelyventrally3• Softbarbels(feelers)locatedclosertothesaw-tipthantotheeyes(or at least halfway between them)• 19-25largeteethoneachsideofsnout
Colouration• Palesandy-colouredupperbody,althoughsometimeswithdark brownish bands, blotches and spots in southern NSW waters; white underside • Twothin,brownishstripesalongthetopofthesnout;sidesofthesaw are often darker
Size & Distribution• Born~30-40cm;max.~140cm• DemersalthroughoutcoastalandshelfwatersofNSWatdepths between 40 and 300 m
Common sawshark (Pristiophorus cirratus)
*Note:recentlydeclaredsynonymouswiththe‘easternsawshark’
64
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
3
1
2
NSW DPI code:SHK-PROTECTED
Distinguishing features
• Long,saw-toothedsnoutwithoutlongsoftbarbels(feelers)1
2• Gillslitslocatedentirelyonwhiteventralsurface3• Unlikesawsharks,the1stdorsalfinoriginisbehindthepelvicfinorigin• 24-28teethoneachsideofsawthataremorecloselyspacednearer the saw-tip than near the mouth
Colouration• Upperbodygreenishbrownorolivewithnoobviouspatterning;white underside
Size & Distribution• Max.~500cm• Extremelyrare• Demersal;possiblyinnortherncoastalandshelfwaterssouthto Sydney
Green sawfish (Pristis zijsron)
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
65
NSW DPI code:SHK- 48
3
1
2
Distinguishing features
• Snoutwithoutsaw-teeth• 1stdorsalfindirectlyabovepelvicfins• Distinctlowerlobeontail• Circularlyroundedheadclearlydemarcatedfrompectoralfinorigins• Gillslitsentirelyonpaleundersideofhead• Verydeep-bodiedwithdistinctivecolourationandpatterning• Largethornsonhornyridgeslocatedpre-dorsallyonback
Colouration• Bluish-greywithnumerouswhitespotsonbackandtail;darkbands between eyes; mostly pale underside• Colourmorepronouncedinjuveniles;adultsoftenbrownishwithfaint spots and lines
Size & Distribution• Max:~270cm• Demersalthroughoutcoastalandshelfwatersofnorthernandcentral NSW south to at least Sydney, and to about 100 m depth
3
1
2
Shark ray (Rhina ancylostoma)
66
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
3
12
NSW DPI code:SHK-49
Distinguishing features
• Snoutwithoutsaw-teeth(ray-shapedhead)• 1stdorsalfinwellbehindpelvicfins• Nodistinctlowertaillobe• Flat,oval-shaped,roundly-pointed,ornately-patternedhead (>90-degree angle)• Gillslitsentirelyonpaleundersideofhead
Colouration• Brownupperbodywithtransverse,lightlycolouredbandsthathave dark brown edges; pale yellowish-white underside• Distinctivetriangle-ordiamond-shapedmarkingbetweenthe spiracles Size & Distribution• Max:~120cm• DemersalthroughoutcoastalandshelfwatersofNSWtoabout 150 m depth
3
1
2
1
Eastern fiddler ray (Trygonorrhina sp.)
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
67
NSW DPI code:SHK-50
3
1
2
4
White-spotted guitarfish (Rhynchobatus australiae)
Distinguishing features
• Snoutwithoutsaw-teeth1
2•1stdorsalfindirectlyabovepelvicfins• Distinctlowerlobeontail3
1• Triangular,pointedhead/snout• Gillslitsentirelyonpaleundersideofhead,whichmergessmoothly with pectoral fins4• Whitespotsalongeachsideofbody,and1-2darkspotsabovethe base of the pectoral fin• Smallthornsalongthemid-lineridgeoftheback
Colouration• Mostlygreyishtoyellowish-brownupperbody;paleunderside• 10-30whitespotsalongeachsideofthebodytotherearofthe1st dorsal fin• 1-2darkspotsabovethebaseofthepectoralfin
Size & Distribution• Born:~50cm;max:~300cm• DemersalthroughoutcoastalandshelfwatersofnorthernNSWsouth to at least Forster, and to about 100 m depth
68
DDistinguishing istinguishing ffeaeaturtureses
3
1
2
4
NSW DPI code:SHK-51Eastern shovelnose ray
(Aptychotrema rostrata)
Distinguishing features
• Snoutwithoutsaw-teeth• 1stdorsalfinwellbehindpelvicfins• Nodistinctlowertaillobe• Long,flat,triangular,sharply-pointed(i.e.<90-degreeangle)snout and head• Only2-3smallthornsinfrontofeacheyeandonly1-2smallthorns next to each spiracle• Gillslitsentirelyonundersideofhead• About18-20short,widely-spacedthornsalongcentre-lineofheadand pre-dorsal tail
Colouration• Plainlightbrownupperbody–sometimeswithduskyblotchesorlight coloured speckles; mostly white underside• Snouttranslucent,sometimesblackunderneathtowardsthetip
Size & Distribution• Born:~20cm;max:~120cm• DemersalthroughoutcoastalandshelfwatersofNSWtoabout 150 m depth
1
2
4
3
1
Distinguishing featuresDistinguishing features
69
NSW DPI code:SHK-52
3
1
2
4
Giant shovelnose ray (Rhinobatos typus)
Distinguishing features 2• Snoutwithoutsaw-teeth1 •1stdorsalfinwellbehindpelvicfins
• Nodistinctlowertaillobe3
• Long,flat,triangular,sharply-pointed(i.e.<90-degreeangle)snout1
and head• Atleast5closelygroupedsmallthornsinfrontofeacheyeand>34
small thorns next to each spiracle• Gillsslitsentirelyonundersideofhead• Closelyspacedlineofthornsorenlargeddenticlesalongcentre-line of head and pre-dorsal tail
Colouration• Greyish-browntooliveupperbody–distinctivelypalerandyellowish around head and fin margins; mostly pale underside • Snoutpaleyellowwithdarkbrownstripealongsnoutcartilage
Size & Distribution• Max~270cm • Rareanddemersalincoastalandshelfwaters(juvenilessometimesin estuaries) of northern NSW south to at least Forster; and to about 100 m depth
70
Index
AScientific name Page
Australian angelshark Squatina australis 53BBanded wobbegong Orectolobus halei 54Bigeye sixgill shark Hexanchus nakamurai 31Bigeye thresher Alopias superciliosus 48Bignose shark Carcharhinus altimus 15Blue shark Prionace glauca 22 Bluntnose sixgill shark Hexanchus griseus 30Broadnose shark Notorynchus cepedianus 32Bronze whaler Carcharhinus brachyurus 25Bull shark Carcharhinus leucas 24CCommon blacktip shark Carcharhinus limbatus 20Common sawshark Pristiophorus cirratus 63Crested hornshark Heterodontus galeatus 61DDark-tailed dogfishes Squalus chloroculus, grahami and montalbani 34 Draughtboard shark Cephaloscyllium laticeps 57Dusky whaler Carcharhinus obscurus 16EEastern angelshark Squatina albipunctata 52Eastern fiddler ray Trygonorrhina sp. 66Eastern shovelnose ray Aptychotrema rostrata 68Endeavour dogfish Centrophorus moluccensis 38GGiant shovelnose ray Rhinobatos typus 69Great hammerhead Sphyrna mokarran 49Great white shark Carcharodon carcharias 42Green sawfish Pristis zijsron 64Grey nurse shark Carcharias taurus 28Gummy shark Mustelus antarcticus 39 HHarrisson’s dogfish Centrophorus harrissoni 37LLemon shark Negaprion acutidens 27Longfin mako Isurus paucus 45
71
OScientific name Page
Oceanic whitetip shark Carcharhinus longimanus 18Ornate wobbegong Orectolobus ornatus 55PPelagic thresher Alopias pelagicus 47Pencil shark Hypogaleus hyugaensis 40Porbeagle Lamna nasus 43Port Jackson shark Heterodontus portusjacksoni 60SSaddled swellshark Cephaloscyllium variegatum 58Sandbar shark Carcharhinus plumbeus 14Sandtiger (Herbst’s nurse) shark Odontaspis ferox 29Scalloped hammerhead Sphyrna lewini 50School shark Galeorhinus galeus 41Shark ray Rhina ancylostoma 65Sharpnose sevengill shark Heptranchias perlo 33Shortfin mako Isurus oxyrinchus 44Silky shark Carcharhinus falciformis 17Sliteye shark Loxodon macrorhinus 23Smooth hammerhead Sphyrna zygaena 51Southern dogfish Centrophorus zeehaani 36Southern sawshark Pristiophorus nudipinnis 62Spinner shark Carcharhinus brevipinna 21Spotted wobbegong Orectolobus maculatus 56TThresher shark Alopias vulpinus 46Tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier 19WWeasel shark Hemigaleus australiensis (H. microstoma) 26Whitefin swellshark Cephaloscyllium albipinnum 59White-spotted guitarfish Rhynchobatus australiae 67White-tailed dogfishes Squalus megalops and albifrons 35
The information in this publication is provided as a guide to NSW commercial fishers. Recognising that some of the information in this document is provided by third parties, the State of New South Wales, the author and the publisher take no responsibility for the accuracy, currency, reliability and correctness of any information included in the document provided by third parties. Users are reminded of the need to ensure that they comply with any applicable legislation regarding commercial fishing, which may change from time to time.
© State of New South Wales through NSW Department of Primary Industries 2008. You must not copy this guide for any purpose without the prior written consent of NSW Department of Primary Industries.
For more information on species identification, including commercial reporting requirements contact:
T: 1300 550 474E: inf
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/commercial
NSW
DPI
_894
7_O
CT0
8Illustrations Grey nurse shark, sandtiger (Herbst’s nurse) shark, great white shark, green sawfish © NSW DPI.All other illustrations © R Swainston/ANIMA.Guide prepared by WG Macbeth, M Vandenberg and KJ Graham (NSW DPI).