Heterodontus portusjacksoni
Port Jackson Shark (Heterodontus Portusjacksoni)
This is one of the horn sharks that scientists think are direct descendents of the Hybodonts, because they are little changed from these early sharks of the Triassic period from which all modern sharks evolved. The Port Jackson has a rounded body with a conical head and bluntly rounded snout. It has large pectoral fins and, like its close relatives, sharp spines forward of the first and second dorsal fins. It is gray to light brown in color with a prominent black bar across the head and down the cheek like a harness. A set of triangular black bars meets up on the sides and back, starting from the first dorsal, pectoral and pelvic fin bases. It also has horizontal black stripes on the sides of its back and tail.
The Port Jackson is known from temperate into subtropical waters of the South Pacific, especially around Australia save probably the north coasts. It is a nocturnal shark of the continental shelves from tide pools to depths of several hundred feet. And curiously, it often congregates with fellow Port Jackson's in caves or on sandy-bottomed trenches between rocky reefs. However, during the breeding season, it may range afar, returning in time to the favoured resting site. Port Jackson reproduction is the most primitive kind among sharks; it is oviparous and may lay a dozen or more eggs in rock crevices in shallow water where they will remain some 9 to 12 months until hatched.
Port Jackson sharks feed primarily on benthic invertebrates---sea urchins, starfish, crabs, barnacles, polychaete worms and small fishes which are grasped with cusped front teeth and crushed with molar-like rear teeth.
Port Jackson Shark JAW, ....Scientific name ( Heterodontus portusjacksoni ) , This Shark was harvested by a fishermen from the deep waters of the Pacific. The jaws have Excellent teeth. A nice addition to your collection or GREAT for that science project.
This is a VERY FINE Natural History Specimen
Size is 3" X 2 1/2"
$65.00