The swell shark (Cephaloscyllium ventriosum) is a catshark in the family Scyliorhinidae. It is found in the tropical and subtropical eastern Pacific Ocean from between central California to southern Mexico, with an additional population off the coast of Chile. [1] .

A catshark living in the Pacific Ocean, the swell shark gets its name from the pretty swell ability to enlarge itself to almost double its size by sucking in air or water. The swell shark is generally 35 inches long but can reach up to lengths of 43 inches. Their heads are flat and broad, with golden eyes with protective third eyelids.

The swell shark (Cephaloscyllium ventriosum) is a catshark in the family Scyliorhinidae. It is found in the tropical and subtropical eastern Pacific Ocean from between central California to southern Mexico, with an additional population off the coast of Chile.

Swell sharks are relatively small, inactive sharks, fairly common to Southern California waters. The common name is based on their ability, when threatened, to engorge the stomach with water or air to about twice its natural size.

A swell shark deals with predators by bending into a U-shape and swallowing seawater to swell to twice its normal size.

Cephaloscyllium is a genus of catsharks, and part of the family Scyliorhinidae, commonly known as swellsharks because of their ability to inflate their bodies with water or air as a defense against predators. These sluggish, bottom-dwelling sharks are found widely in the tropical and temperate coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

The swell shark is a small, nocturnal species of shark. They have large mouths, extending past their eyes. Swell sharks have a broad head and stout body. They are a yellowish brown color, with a pattern of large dark blotches and white spots.

Jan 1, 2024 · This shark is aptly named the “swell shark” due to its ability to swallow large amounts of water, swelling its body to twice its normal size, when threatened by a potential predator. English: swell shark, swellshark, puffer shark

If these sharks are threatened when out in the open, they grab their tail in their mouths, to form a U-shape and swell with water, making themselves difficult to grab or manipulate. Sphincter muscles at both ends of the stomach trap the water.

Nov 19, 2020 · Swell sharks are found in temperate and subtropical marine waters in kelp beds with boulder and rocky reef substrate. Although this species has been reported to a water depth of 457 meters (1,500 feet), it is most commonly found in water 5 …