Carcharhiniformes

Brown Shyshark

Haploblepharus fuscus

Max Length

0.7m

Overview

A small catshark endemic to South Africa. When threatened, it curls into a tight ball and covers its eyes with its tail — hence the name "shyshark." Harmless.

Habitat

The shark prefers to be inshore on the continental shelf, often in shallow, sandy areas, or the rocky bottom from 0 to 114.8 ft [0 to 35 m].

Distribution

South Africa & nearby waters

Western Indian Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean, less than [1000 km] off the coast of South Africa in the Western Atlantic Ocean.

Behavior

When frightened or captured the shark curls up with its tail over its eyes.

Biology

Diet: Lobsters and bony fish.
Reproduction: Oviparous (lays pairs of eggs)

Appearance

Dorsal: Brown color on top, sometimes with a slightly darker, obscure saddles or small white or black spots. White on white on the underside.

Sources:sharksorg

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the brown shyshark dangerous to humans?

The brown shyshark is not considered dangerous to humans under normal conditions. There are few or no recorded incidents involving this species.

Where does this species data come from?

Species profiles are compiled from peer-reviewed taxonomy and published references. Incident data is sourced from the Global Shark Attack File and joined to species records by name match.

Back to species

Carcharhiniformes

Brown Shyshark

Haploblepharus fuscus

Back to species

Max Length

0.7m

Overview

A small catshark endemic to South Africa. When threatened, it curls into a tight ball and covers its eyes with its tail — hence the name "shyshark." Harmless.

Habitat

The shark prefers to be inshore on the continental shelf, often in shallow, sandy areas, or the rocky bottom from 0 to 114.8 ft [0 to 35 m].

Distribution

South Africa & nearby waters

Western Indian Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean, less than [1000 km] off the coast of South Africa in the Western Atlantic Ocean.

Behavior

When frightened or captured the shark curls up with its tail over its eyes.

Biology

Diet: Lobsters and bony fish.
Reproduction: Oviparous (lays pairs of eggs)

Appearance

Dorsal: Brown color on top, sometimes with a slightly darker, obscure saddles or small white or black spots. White on white on the underside.

Sources:sharksorg

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the brown shyshark dangerous to humans?

The brown shyshark is not considered dangerous to humans under normal conditions. There are few or no recorded incidents involving this species.

Where does this species data come from?

Species profiles are compiled from peer-reviewed taxonomy and published references. Incident data is sourced from the Global Shark Attack File and joined to species records by name match.

Back to species