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The Draughtboard Shark (Cephaloscyllium laticeps) is a species of catshark, belonging to the family Scyliorhinidae. It is a relatively small, bottom-dwelling shark known for its distinctive coloration and its ability to inflate its body with water or air as a defense mechanism, making it difficult for predators to dislodge it from crevices. This species is endemic to the temperate waters of southern Australia.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- elongated
- Coloration
- Dorsal surface is typically light brown to grey, covered with a distinctive pattern of dark brown to black blotches and saddles, often resembling a chessboard or 'draughtboard' pattern. The ventral surface is pale white or yellowish. Some individuals may have small, scattered white spots.
- Scale type
- placoid
- Mouth position
- subterminal
- Distinctive features
- Broad, flattened head with a short, rounded snout., Large, cat-like eyes with nictitating membranes., Prominent nasal barbels., Ability to inflate its body with water or air when threatened., Two dorsal fins, the first originating over or slightly behind the pelvic fin origins., Rough skin due to placoid scales.
- Dorsal fin
- Two relatively small dorsal fins, without spines. The first dorsal fin is positioned well back on the body, originating over or slightly behind the pelvic fin origins. The second dorsal fin is smaller than the first.
- Tail fin
- Caudal fin is relatively short and broad, with a distinct ventral lobe and a subterminal notch.
- Pectoral fin
- Large and broad pectoral fins.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic fins are relatively small. All fins are unspined.
Identification Tips
Coloration and Pattern
Look for the distinctive 'draughtboard' pattern of dark blotches and saddles on a lighter background. This is the most reliable visual identifier.
Head Shape
Note the broad, flattened head and short, rounded snout, characteristic of swellsharks.
Dorsal Fin Position
The first dorsal fin originates over or slightly behind the pelvic fin origins, which helps distinguish it from some other catshark species.
Inflation Ability
If observed in distress or handled, its ability to inflate its body is a key characteristic of the genus Cephaloscyllium.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found in shallow coastal waters from the intertidal zone down to depths of approximately 220 meters (720 feet), though most common in less than 100 meters.
- Environment
- Benthic, inhabiting rocky reefs, kelp forests, and sandy or muddy bottoms. Often found resting in caves, crevices, or under ledges during the day.
- Geographic range
- Endemic to southern Australia, from Western Australia (around Perth) eastward to New South Wales (around Sydney) and Tasmania.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: expert
- Temperament: peaceful
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: 1000 gallons (3785 liters)
- Temperature: 12-18°C (54-64°F)
- pH level: 8.0-8.4
- Hardness: High (marine salinity)
- Compatibility: Generally compatible with other large, peaceful, cold-water marine species. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping fish. Requires a large, well-filtered, and chilled aquarium.
- Special requirements: Requires a very large, specialized cold-water marine aquarium with excellent filtration and chilling capabilities. Ample hiding spots (caves, rockwork) are essential. Diet should consist of fresh, high-quality marine fish, squid, and crustaceans. Not suitable for typical home aquariums due to size and specific environmental needs.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: No specific seasonal migrations or breeding seasonality is well-documented for this species; present year-round in its range.
- Market price: Not typically targeted commercially; incidental bycatch.
- Commercial importance: low
- Taste: Not commonly consumed; taste is generally described as mild.
- Texture: Firm, white flesh.
- Cooking methods: Grilled, Fried, Baked
- Nutritional value: Similar to other shark species, it would be a source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, though not a primary food fish.
Key Facts
Inflation Defensebehavior
The Draughtboard Shark can inflate its stomach with water or air, increasing its size significantly. This makes it difficult for predators to swallow or dislodge it from rocky crevices.
Egg Casesinteresting
Like other catsharks, the Draughtboard Shark lays distinctive 'mermaid's purse' egg cases, which are rectangular with tendrils at the corners that anchor them to seaweed or other structures.
Nocturnal Hunterbehavior
This species is primarily nocturnal, spending its days resting in sheltered areas and emerging at night to hunt for small fish and invertebrates.
Endemic to Australiainteresting
The Draughtboard Shark is found only in the temperate waters off southern Australia, making it a unique part of the region's marine biodiversity.
Safety Information
Handle with care- Safety level: caution
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: not recommended
- Handling notes: Draughtboard Sharks are generally docile. However, like all sharks, they possess sharp teeth and should be handled with care to avoid accidental bites. Their primary defense mechanism is inflation, which can make them difficult to handle or release if caught. Always support the body and avoid grasping by the tail. Release quickly and gently if caught incidentally.
Similar Species
Southern Swellshark
Cephaloscyllium isabellum
The Southern Swellshark (found in New Zealand) has a similar body shape but typically exhibits a more uniform brown coloration with less distinct or absent 'draughtboard' patterns. Its geographic range also differs.
Gondwanan Swellshark
Cephaloscyllium signourum
The Gondwanan Swellshark, also found in Australian waters, has a more elongated body and a different pattern of spots and blotches, often with a more prominent dark spot on the caudal fin.
Reticulated Swellshark
Cephaloscyllium reticulifer
The Reticulated Swellshark has a more intricate, net-like pattern of dark lines and spots, rather than the distinct blotches of the Draughtboard Shark.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Chondrichthyes
- Order
- Carcharhiniformes
- Family
- Scyliorhinidae
- Genus
- Cephaloscyllium
- Species
- laticeps
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