Whitefin Swellshark, Cephaloscyllium albipinnum Last, Motomura & White 2008

Scientific name: Cephaloscyllium albipinnum
Alternative name/s:
Whitefin Swell-shark
  • Updated
    19/06/24
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Whitefin Swellshark, Cephaloscyllium albipinnum. Click to enlarge image
Whitefin Swellshark, Cephaloscyllium albipinnum. Image: CSIRO National Fish Collection
© CC BY 3.0

Fast Facts

  • IUCN Conservation Status
    NEAR THREATENED (NT)
  • Classification
    Genus
    Cephaloscyllium
    Species
    albipinnum
    Family
    Scyliorhinidae
    Order
    Carcharhiniformes
    Subclass
    Elasmobranchii
    Class
    Chondrichthyes
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 103cm in length.

Introduction

The Whitefin Swellshark, Cephaloscyllium albipinnum, is a medium to large shark found off the southeastern coast of Australia. It is known for its ability to inflate its stomach to appear larger when threatened.

What do Whitefin Swellsharks look like?

Identification

This shark has a robust body with broad dark saddles along its back and large dark blotches on its sides, particularly distinct in juveniles. Its fins are mostly dark with a pale margin and it has a uniformly pale underside.

Where do Whitefin Swellsharks live?

Habitat

A benthic species occurring on the continental shelf and slope, inhabiting depths of 125-555 m.

Distribution

Ranging from Batemans Bay, New South Wales, to Eucla in the Great Australian Bight, Western Australia, including Tasmania.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

What is the life cycle of Whitefin Swellsharks?

Life cycle

The Whitefin Swellshark is oviparous (egg laying), with females laying flask-shaped egg capsules with no transverse ridges. Males mature by about 70 cm in length.

Conservation status

Primary threats

The Whitefin Swellshark is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN. Despite its little commercial value, the Whitefin Swellshark is taken as bycatch in several fisheries, leading to population declines.

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