Fin's Fish Guide
The Whitespotted bullhead shark (Heterodontus ramalheira) is a saltwater fish of the family Heterodontidae that grows up to 64 cm.
Description
The whitespotted bullhead shark is a small bullhead shark from the western Indian Ocean, off southern and eastern Africa and Arabia. The species grows to about 64 cm and has a stocky, brownish-red body with numerous small white spots, a blunt head with heavy brow ridges and, before each of the two dorsal fins, a strong spine linked to a weak venom gland. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it lives on the continental slope, between about 40 and 305 metres, and crushes molluscs and crustaceans with flat rear teeth. It lays egg capsules. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Whitespotted bullhead shark?
The Whitespotted bullhead shark has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Heavy brow ridges and a spine with weak venom in front of each dorsal fin; nocturnal horn shark
Where does the Whitespotted bullhead shark live?
The Whitespotted bullhead shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Indian Ocean
How big does the Whitespotted bullhead shark get?
The Whitespotted bullhead shark grows to a maximum of about 64 cm.
Is the Whitespotted bullhead shark dangerous to humans?
The Whitespotted bullhead shark can cause injury; handle it with care. Before each dorsal fin is a strong, weakly venomous spine; handle this shark with care. Clean any prick or puncture wound thoroughly, immerse in hot water (about 45 C) for pain, and seek medical help for infection.
Is the Whitespotted bullhead shark edible?
The Whitespotted bullhead shark is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Heterodontus
More from the family Heterodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Whitespotted bullhead shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Whitespotted bullhead shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.