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Japanese Bullhead Shark
Heterodontus japonicus (Maclay & Macleay, 1884)
A Japanese Bullhead Shark in an aquarium.
The Japanese Bullhead Shark has been recorded from shallow, marine waters of Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan. It is recognised by a pattern of broad saddles or bars on the body.
The related Zebra Horn Shark, Heterodontus zebra has narrower dark bars on a very pale body. The Zebra Horn Shark has been recorded from Japan, Korea, China, Vietnam, Indonesia and the north-west shelf of Western Australia.
The Japanese Bullhead Shark in the image was photographed in an aquarium at the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market: Tsukiji Market. Thank you to Dr K. Matsuura and Dr K. Sakamoto for confirming the identification of this species and for their generous assistance at the Tsukiji Market.
Further reading
- Compagno, L.J.V. 1984. FAO species catalogue. Vol. 4, Sharks of the World. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of shark species known to date. Part 1 - Hexanchiformes to Lamniformes: viii, 1-250.
