Brachaelurus

{{Short description|Genus of sharks}} {{automatic taxobox | fossil_range = {{fossil range|137|0|PS=Early Cretaceous to present|ref=<ref name=PaleobiologyDB>{{cite web |url=https://paleobiodb.org/classic/basicTaxonInfo?taxon_no=154884 |title=Brachaeluridae |work=Paleobiology Database |access-date=19 May 2024}}</ref> }} | image = Blindshark.jpg | image_caption = ''Brachaelurus waddi'' | parent_authority = Applegate, 1974 | taxon = Brachaelurus | authority = Ogilby, 1908 | type_species = ''Chiloscyllium modestum'' | type_species_authority = Günther, 1872 }}

'''''Brachaelurus''''' ('''blind sharks''') is the sole genus of sharks in the family '''Brachaeluridae''' in the order Orectolobiformes. Only two extant species of blind sharks occur, both of which are native to shallow coastal waters up to {{convert|110|m|ft|abbr=on}} deep, off the eastern coast of Australia.<ref name=FB/>

They are distinguished by the presence of long barbels, large spiracles, and a groove around the nostrils. They have two dorsal fins, placed close together on the back, and a relatively short tail. Blind sharks have fully functioning eyes, but their name was given to them because when caught by anglers these eyes are closed (probably to protect them).<ref name=FB/>

Blind sharks feed on small fish, cuttlefish, sea anemones, and crustaceans. The female retains the eggs in her body until they hatch (ovoviviparity), during which time the embryos feed solely on the egg yolk.<ref name=FB>{{FishBase_family|family=Brachaeluridae|year=2024|month=February}}</ref>

==Species== Two extant species in this genus are recognized:<ref name=FB/> * ''Brachaelurus colcloughi'' Ogilby, 1908 (bluegrey carpetshark) * ''Brachaelurus waddi'' Bloch & J. G. Schneider, 1801 (blind shark)

At least one species is present in the fossil record:<ref name=PaleobiologyDB/> * ''Brachaelurus estesi'' (Herman, 1977)

==In aquaria== Both the blind shark and the Coclough's shark have been successfully kept in home aquaria.<ref name="sharksathomeafm">{{Citation | last = Michael | first = Scott W. | title = Sharks at Home | newspaper = Aquarium Fish Magazine | pages = 20–29 |date=March 2004}}</ref> In captivity, they can live to be 20 years old.<ref name="sharksathomeafm" /> They are well suited because of their small adult sizes and "predilection for tight spaces".<ref name="sharksathomeafm" /> However, they are inactive during the daytime and spend most of the daylight hours hiding in artificial caves.<ref name="sharksathomeafm" /> Brachaelurids have been successfully reared in home aquaria on diets of fresh and frozen seafood fed three times weekly.<ref name="sharksathomeafm" /> Waters at {{cvt|64-76|F|C|disp=flip}} have been found to be most conducive to the health of these fish.<ref name="sharksathomeafm" /> Brachaelurids have been known to consume any of their tankmates that can be successfully swallowed. Blind sharks have been induced to breed in captivity.<ref name="sharksathomeafm" /> The Sydney Aquarium has successfully maintained an entire breeding colony of blind sharks.<ref name="sharksathomeafm" />

==References== {{Reflist}}

Category:Brachaeluridae Category:Shark genera Category:Marine fish of Eastern Australia Category:Aalenian first appearances Category:Extant Middle Jurassic first appearances Category:Taxa named by James Douglas Ogilby