The blind shark, Brachaelurus waddi, is one of two species in the family Brachaeluridae, and the only member of the genus Brachaelurus. It is found in the subtropical southwest Pacific Ocean off Queensland and New South Wales, between latitudes 8° S to 33° S. It reaches a length of 1.22 m. Blind sharks are not actually blind, despite the name; their eyesight is "perfectly adequate."[3] In captivity they can live to be 20 years old.[3]
Reproduction is ovoviviparous.
[edit] In aquaria
Blind sharks are one of the few shark species that are considered suitable for keeping in personal saltwater aquaria.[3] Their virtues for aquarium life include their small adult size and "predilection for tight spaces."[3] However, one drawback is that they are inactive during the daytime and will spend most of the daylight hours hiding in artificial caves provided by the aquarist.[3] Brachaelurids have been successfully reared in home aquaria on diets of fresh and frozen seafood in waters at 64–76 degrees F.[3] Blind sharks can induced to breed in captivity.[3] The Sydney Aquarium has successfully maintained an entire breeding colony of blind sharks.[3]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
