# Brachaelurus

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> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brachaelurus
> Source revision: 1355283826
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{{Short description|Genus of sharks}}
{{automatic taxobox
| fossil_range = {{fossil range|137|0|PS=[Early Cretaceous](/source/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](/source/Brachaelurus_waddi)''
| parent_authority = [Applegate](/source/Shelton_Pleasants_Applegate), 1974
| taxon = Brachaelurus
| authority = [Ogilby](/source/James_Douglas_Ogilby), 1908
| type_species = ''[Chiloscyllium modestum](/source/Brachaelurus_waddi)''
| type_species_authority = [Günther](/source/Albert_G%C3%BCnther), 1872
}}

'''''Brachaelurus''''' ('''blind sharks''') is the sole genus of [shark](/source/shark)s in the [family](/source/Family_(taxonomy)) '''Brachaeluridae''' in the order [Orectolobiformes](/source/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](/source/Australia).<ref name=FB/>

They are distinguished by the presence of long [barbels](/source/barbel_(anatomy)), large [spiracle](/source/Spiracle_(vertebrates))s, and a groove around the nostrils.  They have two [dorsal fin](/source/dorsal_fin)s, 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](/source/cuttlefish), [sea anemone](/source/sea_anemone)s, and [crustacean](/source/crustacean)s. The female retains the eggs in her body until they hatch ([ovoviviparity](/source/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](/source/Brachaelurus_colcloughi)'' <small>[Ogilby](/source/James_Douglas_Ogilby), 1908</small> (bluegrey carpetshark) 
* ''[Brachaelurus waddi](/source/Brachaelurus_waddi)'' <small>[Bloch](/source/Marcus_Elieser_Bloch) & [J. G. Schneider](/source/Johann_Gottlob_Schneider), 1801</small> (blind shark)

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

==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}}

{{Taxonbar|from=Q5033268|from2=Q884320}}

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

{{shark-stub}}

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Brachaelurus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brachaelurus) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brachaelurus?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.