About
Also known as the Colclough’s shark, it is a rare, nocturnal species found off the coast of Eastern Australia. It was first discovered in 1908 by scientist James Ogilby who named the shark after his friend, John Colclough, and since then it has only been recorded 50 times!
The bluegray carpetshark is one of only two species within the Brachaeluridae family, the other being the blind shark, Brachaeluridae waddi. All but four records of this species have been in shallow inshore waters within latitudes of less than 2°.
Despite further research and surveys being carried out by scientists this species remains elusive. Its seemingly small range, off Eastern Australia, leaves it susceptible to human disturbance from fisheries, habitat destruction and urban development. The Queensland East Coast Trawl Fishery and the Queensland East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery both operate in the area; however, Marine National Parks and Sanctuary Zones overlap with some of the bluegray carpetshark’s range, offering it a degree of protection.
- Order: Orectolobiformes
- Family: Brachaeluridae
- Population: <10,000 mature individuals
- Trend: decreasing
- Size: Up to 85cm (?)
- Depth Range (m): Up to 220m