Port Jackson Shark - Appearance

Appearance

Port Jackson sharks are similar to other organisms in their genus, bearing a broad, flat head, an anal fin, and crests above its eyes. However, the species possesses characteristics that make them easily identifiable—their teeth and the harness-like markings which run for a majority of their body length. This feature runs from their eyes to their first dorsal fin and then across the rest of their body. Both of its dorsal fins are of close to equal size, each with a spine at the foremost edge. This is rumored to be of poisonous nature. Other features that help distinguish them are their small mouths and their nostrils, which are connected to their mouth.

The sharks have gray-brown bodies covered by black banding, which covers a large portion of their sides and back. One of these band winds over the face and progresses even to the shark's eyes. Another, harness shaped band goes around the back, continuing until the pectoral fins and sides. Thin dark stripes are also present on the back of Port Jackson sharks. These progress from the caudal fin to the first dorsal fin.

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