GREY BAMBOO SHARK (Chiloscyllium griseum)

Scientific Classification

ORDER: ORECTOLOBIFORMES
FAMILY: HEMISCYLLIDAE
GENUS: CHILOSCYLLIUM
SPECIES: CHILOSCYLLIUM GRISEUM

ICUN REDLIST: NEAR THREATENED

HABITAT

This species commonly dwells at the bottom of the ocean floor, and is often found in sandy and muddy environments, in habitats such as rocky shores and in coral lagoons. They can habituate at depths ranging from 5m to 80 m.

APPEARANCE

The Grey Bamboo Shark has a stout body and a thick, elongated precaudal tail. Both dorsal fins are equally sized, rounded and slightly smaller than its pelvic fins. There is often a lack of any colorations in adult species, but sometimes juvenile members have transverse dark bands.

BEHAVIOUR

Generally, species of bamboo sharks are viewed as solitary and unobtrusive; this species of shark is rarely sighted. Juveniles tend to hide in crevices of coral reefs in association with the fact that their broad banding pattern provides effective camouflage from predators. They are nocturnal.

REPRODUCTION

Grey Bamboo Sharks are an oviparous species, meaning that they lay eggs, depositing small oval eggs on the bottom on the ocean floor.

CONSERVATION

Categorised as Near Threatened under the IUCN Red List; there are currently no conservation actions put in place for this species.

INTERESTING FACT

This species is regularly taken in fisheries and is considered as a delicacy in some cultures.

** This data set was written by Clem Carroll of Bournemouth University, England and edited by Stephanie Young**

***Identification of these species has been made through, photographic documentation cross referenced with external specialists and identification books. Any errors in our database will be rectified upon notification, if you feel that we have misidentified any species please help us to improve our research through our contact us page. All people involved will be acknowledge in the website and reports***