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COMMON NAMES;
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California Swell Shark, Swell Shark, Swellshark, Balloon Shark. |
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LATIN NAME(S);
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Cephaloscyllium ventriosum |
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FAMILY;
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Scyliorhinidae
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| IDENTIFICATION; |
First dorsal fin rounded and set well back behind pelvic fin origin. Second dorsal fin smaller and positioned over anal fin. Eye large and golden. Spiracle small. Dorsal coloration light brown with darker brown patches and saddles fringed with small off white dots. Many small black dots cover entire length of body and fins. Body shape may appear flabby or rotund if threatened. |
| SIZE; |
Max 100cm. |
| HABITAT; |
Found on continental shelves and shallow inshore rocky reefs and kelp beds. Often seen under ledges or tucked into crevices. Max recorded depth 457m. |
| DISTRIBUTION; |
Eastern Pacific from Central California coast to the Gulf of California (Baja) and Southern Mexico. A southern population occurs in central Chile but this population may eventually prove to be a distinct species.
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| BEHAVIOR; |
Nocturnal. California Swell Sharks lodge themselves in reef crevices by day. At night they leave their shelter to hunt for bony fishes, molluscs and crustaceans. When necessary the swell shark can fill it's stomach with water or air. This capacity helps the swell shark lodge itself securely in its resting spot. It may also make it too large for a predator to tackle.
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| REPRODUCTION; |
Oviparous. Swell sharks lay two flattened egg cases that they attach to the reef with long tendrils that extend from one end.
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| REACTION TO DIVERS; |
Swell Sharks generally stay completely motionless when encountered during the day. They may attempt to swell up if harassed but remain within the confines of their hiding places.
Diving logistics: Refugio Beach north of Santa Barbara is a great place to find California Swell Sharks. Swim out to the kelp forest at the southern end of the beach and descend at the edge of the kelp in about 15ft of water. Follow the reef edge or enter the forest and swim out and south until you find the largest ledges, some of which are big enough to park a small car under. The swell sharks are usually hidden in the deepest crevices.
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| DIVE OPERATOR; |
This article was written about the authors encounters with swell sharks while diving Refugio Beach, California, USA.
For opportunities to encounter this rare shark please visit
http://www.sharkandraycount.com/
EDITOR'S NOTE: Shark Diving is an extreme sport. It carries a considerable risk of personal injury or death. Do not participate in these activities unless you are an expert, have sought or obtained qualified professional instruction or guidance, are knowledgeable about the risks involved and are willing to assume personal responsibility for all the risks involved with this sport.
When planning any shark trip make sure to do your homework. There is NEVER any guarantees you will see any sharks at these dive sites. Luck and time of year are the most important factors for any shark trip.
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