Shark Egg

shark egg
© Tasmanian Government. Image Peter Gouldthorpe
Season: Open all year

bag limit-

 

possession limit-

 

boat limit-

Guide to symbols

bagBag Limit
housePossession Limit
boatBoat Limit

Minimum size

Measuring

Most scalefish are measured from the nose to the end of the tail. Get your scalefish measuring ruler or sticker at any Service Tasmania outlet.

Other names

Swellshark egg


Scientific name

Cephaloscyllium laticeps

Grows to


Up to

Identifying features


​The egg pictured is from a draughtboard shark. It has between 19 to 26 transverse ridges surrounding it and the young emerges from the broad end of the egg. The egg is pale yellow when fresh and will turn dark brown when the pup has emerged.

​Area restrictions

Leave shark egg cases where they are in shark refuge areas.

Habitat

Female sharks lay these commonly observed purse-like egg cases in shallow coastal areas around seagrasses, seaweeds and kelp beds. The long tendrils, which are very supple when first laid, wrap and tangle around these structures. The tendrils then become very wiry and strong on contact with the sea water and difficult to break off. Empty cases are often found washed up on beaches.

Hotline

Fishwatch Report illegal fishing

0427 655 557

What to report? arrow button

Contact us

Recreational Fishing

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

Hobart TAS 7000

Phone: (03) 6165 3233, 1300 720 647

Email: fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: commercial.fisheries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries Licensing

Level 1, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: fisheries.licensing@nre.tas.gov.au