Page 18 - Super Shark Encyclopedia

WALKING CRAB-CRUNCHER

CALIFORNIA HORN SHARK

With a head like a bull’s and a pig-shaped snout, the horn shark
doesn’t look like a ferocious killer. Its teeth are for crunching, rather
Stinging spine
than slicing, but its jaws are as strong as they come—perfect for
tackling hard-shelled crabs and snails. It leaves most other animals
well alone. But watch out if you ever catch a bullhead in your net:
this small and gentle shark has two stinging spines on its back!

The high hornlike
ridges over the eyes
give the shark its name

AT A GLANCE

Paddlelike
pectoral fins

• SIZE 23–48 in (58–122 cm)
• HABITAT Coastal waters, especially among
CRUNCHING TEETH
rocks or thick seaweed
The small mouth has small jagged
teeth at the front for biting. There • LOCATION California
are stronger, broader teeth farther
back. These work like our own back • DIET Bottom-living snails, crabs, sea urchins,
and small fish, hunted at night
teeth to grind up hard food.

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