The Blind Shark (Brachaelurus waddi), despite its name, is not actually blind. Their name comes from their habit of closing their eyes when caught by fishers. They are a small shark that will only grow to a maximum of 1.2m in length and have a large head compared to their body and tail. Found year round, but most commonly in the summer months, they often hide in the kelp and if you spot them you will find them quite shy. They are closely related to nurse sharks, bamboo sharks and carpet sharks. They can be hidden in very shallow water just deep enough to cover them but can be found as deep as 100m. This species is only found in QLD and NSW waters. The blind shark has piglike snouts, with short mouths connected to nostrils by grooves. They are ovoviviparous sharks, and give birth to live young, even though their pups develop inside eggs within the female's body.
