Heterodontus portusjacksoni
Photo: Ben de Groot
What to look for
A brown-grey shark with a dark harness-like pattern and a ridge above each eye, resting on sand or under ledges, often several together. Look in crevices for their eggs too: spiral-shaped cases that the females screw into the reef.
Diving with them
Port Jackson sharks have small crushing teeth for eating sea urchins and shellfish, and they’re not a threat to divers. Still, don’t touch or grab them: leave them resting and watch.
Where to see it
- Shore dive · Cabbage Tree Bay Shelly BeachMax depth 14 m.
- Shore dive · Cabbage Tree Bay Fairy BowerMax depth 10 m.
- Shore dive · Clovelly Gordon’s BayMax depth 14 m.
- Shore dive · La Perouse Bare IslandMax depth 20 m.
- Shore dive · Freshwater FreshwaterMax depth 20 m.
- Boat dive · South Maroubra Magic PointMax depth 23 m.
- Boat dive · Collaroy Long Reef (The Apartments)Max depth 25 m.
