Shorefishes of the Eastern Pacific online information system

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Genus: Heterodontus, Horn Sharks, Bullhead Sharks


All Families:   All Genera:   All Species:

head high pig-like
eyes high, crests above
both Ds: front spine

HETERODONTUS

HORN SHARKS, BULLHEAD SHARKS

Head square, high, with high eyes, and a short blunt snout; small spiracles behind and below eye; mouth short, well before eyes; strong grooves between nostrils and mouth; teeth small, pointed at front, like molars at rear; five gill slits, the last three over the pectoral base; a stout, sharp spine at the beginning of each of the 2 dorsal fins; origin of first dorsal ~ over pectoral base; anal fin present; tail fin asymmetric, but a well developed lower lobe.

A tropical to warm temperate genus of 8 species; found in the western Pacific and Indian Ocean as well as our area, where there are 3 endemic species.

Note: There may be another undescribed species that lacks spots, the distribution of which overlaps that of H. mexicanus.