Pyjama shark (Poroderma africanum)The pyjama shark is a species of catshark, and part of the family
Pyjama shark (Poroderma africanum)The pyjama shark is a species of catshark, and part of the family Scyliorhinidae, endemic to the coastal waters of South Africa. This abundant, bottom-dwelling species can be found from the intertidal zone to a depth of around 100 m, particularly over rocky reefs and kelp beds. With a series of thick, parallel, dark stripes running along its stout body, the pyjama shark has an unmistakable appearance. It can grow up to a length of 1.1 m long.The pyjama shark is primarily nocturnal, spending most of the day lying motionless and hidden in a cave or crevice or among vegetation. It often forms groups, particularly during summer. This species is an opportunistic predator that feeds on a wide variety of fishes and invertebrates; it favors cephalopods and frequents the spawning grounds of the chokka squid. When threatened, it curls into a circle with its tail covering its head. Reproduction is oviparous, with females laying rectangular, dark brown egg cases two at a time year-round. photo credits: Guido Zsilavecz, Illustrations of the Zoology of South Africa -- source link
#pyjama shark#poroderma africanum#shark#zoology#biology#biodiversity#science#wildlife#nature#animals#cool critters