It is golden brown above with dark blotches and yelowish-white below. The average size is 1 metre, but can reach over 2 metres.

They live near the seafloor, found down to 200 metres but is more common in shallower waters.

Predator. They eat a variety of invertebrates.

Harmless, lives for up to 50 years. Females are oviparous and lay two eggs at a time. One of the best examples of colour camouflage in fish. They have the ability to inflate their stomach with water or air to ward off potential threats. The Aquarium has been actively involved in research looking at internal gut parasites in these sharks. Some individuals have over 200 tapeworms in their spiral valve competing for the food the sharks are eating. It is hoped this research will find a successful way to treat these sharks and better husbandry techniques will be developed to increase their longivity in captivity. The aquarium will share the information with other aquariums throughout the world who may benefit from this research.
Accidentally caught by bottom fishing on sand or near reefs. Usually released. Considered a nuisance by set netters.

NZ Marine Fishes: Paul