Small, bottom-dwelling sharks living in the coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean, especially around California and Mexico. These sharks are named for the short, blunt spine that sticks out in front of each of their two dorsal fins. This spine looks like a horn, giving the shark its name. They have a stocky body and a broad, flat head, which makes them look quite different from the sleek, fast-swimming sharks that people often imagine.

One of the most distinctive features of horn sharks is their teeth. Like their relatives, the bullhead sharks have two different types of teeth. The teeth at the front of their mouth are small and pointed, which are good for grabbing and holding onto their prey. The back teeth are flat and strong, designed for crushing and grinding. This is important because horn sharks eat a lot of hard-shelled animals like crabs, sea urchins, and mollusks. They also eat small fish and octopuses. Their diet shows how well adapted they are to life on the ocean floor, where these types of prey are common.

Horn sharks are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. During the day, they rest in rocky crevices or among kelp, staying hidden from predators. Their skin is usually brown or gray with dark spots, which helps them blend into their surroundings. This camouflage is very effective, making it hard for both predators and prey to see them. When they do move around, they often use their strong pectoral fins to “walk” along the ocean floor, rather than swimming like most other sharks. This slow, deliberate movement helps them stay close to the seabed, where they find most of their food.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Atlantic Ocean

2014

Pacific ocean

2014

Gulf of California

2014

Ecuador

2014

Presence Uncertain, Origin Uncertain

Mexico

2014

Peru

2014

Presence Uncertain, Origin Uncertain

United States

2014

California