Balloon Shark

About the Balloon Shark

Balloon Sharks, also known as Indian swellsharks, occur in the western Indian Ocean from KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa to Mozambique, as well as in southwestern Madagascar and the Comoros. They live on sandy, muddy or rocky substrates and occur at depths between 40 to 605 m (131–1,985 ft).

Biology and Behaviour

Balloon sharks are thick-bodied catsharks with a broad, flattened head and a short tail. They have a colour pattern of faint dark saddles on a light grey background along the back and tail. Young balloon sharks have more prominent saddle markings than older individuals. They have about 60 upper tooth rows and 44 lower tooth rows. Out of their five gill slits, the third pair is the longest.

Like other swellsharks, balloon sharks can inflate its stomach with water or air as a defence mechanism against predators. They feed on a variety of crustaceans, cephalopods and fishes.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Balloon sharks are oviparous, meaning that they reproduce by laying eggs, usually in pairs. Young balloon sharks are approximately 20 cm (7.9 in) long at birth. Males mature at around 89 cm (35.0 in) in length, while females mature at approximately 82 cm (32.3 in). They can reach a maximum length of 110 cm (3.6 ft).

Conservation and Tourism

The IUCN lists the Balloon Shark as Near Threatened because the current population trend is decreasing. Balloon sharks are likely caught accidentally as bycatch in deep-water trawl, longline and artisanal fisheries throughout parts of their range. There are currently no conservation measures in place for this species.

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Balloon Shark Gallery