California bullhead shark (SciiFii)

The California bullhead shark (Heterodontus americanum) is a species of heterodontid shark that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the Californian Great Barrier Reef to help boost biodiversity, although the California bullhead shark is able to tolerate brackish waters and pure freshwaters, and thus it is able to adapt and thrive in the lakes and rivers of the Pacific coast of North America. A small species of bullhead shark, the California bullhead shark typically measures just under 1 meters (3.3 feet) in length. The California bullhead sharks have grey-brown bodies covered by black banding, which covers a large portion of their sides and backs. One of these bands winds over the face and progresses to the shark's eyes. Another harness-shaped band goes around the back, continuing to the pectoral fins and sides. Thin, dark stripes are also present on the backs of California bullhead sharks. These progress from the caudal fin to the first dorsal fin. Slow-moving, generally solitary predators, California bullhead sharks hunt at night inside small home ranges and retreat to a favored shelter during the day. Their daily activity cycles are controlled by environmental light levels. Adult sharks prey mainly on hard-shelled molluscs, echinoderms, aquatic insects, and crustaceans, which they crush between powerful jaws and molar-like teeth, while also feeding opportunistically on a wide variety of other invertebrates and small bony fishes. Juveniles prefer softer-bodied prey such as worms, slugs, and sea anemones. The California bullhead shark extracts its prey from the substrate using suction and, if necessary, levering motions with its body. Reproduction is oviparous, with females laying up to 24 eggs from February to April. After laying, the female picks up the auger-shaped egg cases and wedges them into crevices to protect them from predators. California bullhead sharks are harmless unless harassed, and are readily maintained in captivity. The conservation status of the California bullhead shark is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the California bullhead shark's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii