What does the Japanese bullhead shark eat?

It preys mainly on hard-shelled animals such as turban snails, sea urchins, and crustaceans, crushing them with its flattened, molar-like rear teeth.

Is the Japanese bullhead shark dangerous to humans?

No, it is a harmless, slow-moving bottom-dweller that divers can safely approach and even hand-catch.

How long do its eggs take to hatch?

About a year; the newly hatched young measure roughly 18 cm long.

Japanese Bullhead Sharkネコザメ

Heterodontus japonicusLC— Least Concern

The Japanese bullhead shark (Heterodontus japonicus) is a small, nocturnal shark found along the coasts of Japan, Korea, and China, typically in shallow, rocky or kelp-covered waters 6-37 meters deep. It uses blunt, molar-like rear teeth to crush hard-shelled prey such as turban snails, sea urchins, and crustaceans, earning it the Japanese nickname "sazae-wari" (turban-snail cracker). It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Japanese Bullhead Shark (reference photo) — Photo: Jin Kemoole / CC BY 2.0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification: Heterodontiformes / Heterodontidae Source
Size: Maximum total length about 120 cm
Diet: Carnivore Favors mollusks such as turban snails, sea urchins, crustaceans, and small fish
Activity: Nocturnal (hides among seaweed and rocks during the day)
Distribution: Found in the northwest Pacific from Japan (south of Hokkaido) to the Korean Peninsula and the coast of China to Taiwan, on the continental shelf at depths of 6-37 m. Source
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

Did You Know?

Its blunt, molar-like rear teeth crush hard-shelled prey such as turban snails, earning it the Japanese nickname "sazae-wari" (turban-snail cracker). Source
It is oviparous; eggs take about a year to hatch, and newborns measure around 18 cm long. Source

Where to See This Species

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 5

Kagoshima City AquariumKagoshimaFrom Kagoshima-Chuo Station, take the tram (Route 2) to the Suizokukan-guchi stop and walk 8 minutes.

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NOTOJIMA AQUARIUMIshikawaThe nearest station is Wakura-Onsen Station.

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Shimoda AquariumShizuokaOpened in 1967

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Kyoto AquariumKyotoAbout a 15-minute walk from the central exit of JR Kyoto Station.

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Toba AquariumMieOpened in 1955

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Latest news

Open the news index

【ネコザメのごはんタイム🦈】
2026.05.29 ・ Official YouTubeDMM KARIYUSHI AQUARIUM Japanese Bullhead Shark
ネコザメは、ほんとにここから生まれてくる。【マリンワールド海の中道2023年CM】
2023.03.31 ・ Official YouTubeMARINE WORLD uminonakamichi Japanese Bullhead Shark

Source links to official sites, official YouTube channels, and news aggregators such as Zoo Ring. Visit the publisher for the full item.

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

Least Concern (LC)

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org

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FAQ

What does the Japanese bullhead shark eat?: It preys mainly on hard-shelled animals such as turban snails, sea urchins, and crustaceans, crushing them with its flattened, molar-like rear teeth. Source
Is the Japanese bullhead shark dangerous to humans?: No, it is a harmless, slow-moving bottom-dweller that divers can safely approach and even hand-catch. Source
How long do its eggs take to hatch?: About a year; the newly hatched young measure roughly 18 cm long. Source
How many operating facilities are registered here?: Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 5 Source

Books & gear

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org