Pyjama Shark

Quick Take

• This shark has a hunting trick so specific it targets one species at exactly the right moment, and the trick has nothing to do with speed or strength. See the ambush strategy →
• When a Pyjama Shark feels threatened, it does something no one expects from a shark. Discover their defense response →
• One of the Pyjama Shark's biggest predators isn't another fish, and it targets the eggs before they ever hatch. Meet the egg predators →
• Its teeth are always on display, and the reason comes down to a quirk of anatomy most people would never notice. Explore their teeth anatomy →

The stripes of the Pyjama Shark give it the appearance of striped pajamas. They are nonetheless distinctive and interesting ocean creatures. These sharks are popular in aquariums, largely because of their distinctive striped appearance.

5 Pyjama Shark Facts

• Pyjama Sharks usually stay near the ocean floor.
• These sharks like to swim in shallow inshore waters.
• Their favorite foods are octopus and squid.
• They can grow up to 3.5 feet long.
• They actually ambush some of their prey, specifically the chokka squid that comes down to the ocean floor to attach its eggs to egg beds where the Pyjama Sharks wait.

Classification and Scientific Name

The scientific name of Pyjama Sharks is Poroderma africanum. They are also sometimes called Striped Catsharks. They are part of the catshark family Scyliorhinidae. These sharks were discovered and named in 1789, eventually becoming the type species for their genus, Poroderma.

They belong to the Carcharhiniformes order, which is the largest group of sharks. Also known as ground sharks, this order includes hammerhead sharks and hound sharks. All sharks, including the Pyjama Shark, are part of the Selachimorpha superorder. Sharks are characterized by skeletons made primarily of cartilage, five to seven gills on each side, and pectoral fins that are not connected to their heads.

Pyjama Sharks are part of the Chondrichthyes class that includes all cartilage-skeleton fish. They are part of the Chordata phylum and the Animalia kingdom.

Appearance

No, these sharks don’t wear pajamas all day. They can grow up to about 3.1 to 3.6 feet long and around 17 pounds. Their heads are short and a little bit flat at the snout. The majority of their body is taken up by their midsection.

They do have nictitating membranes on their eyes. This means that they have a third translucent clear eyelid that can go over their eye as they swim. These membranes offer protection as well as keep the eyes moist. Many other sharks and fish exhibit the same trait.

Interestingly, their upper teeth are visible even when their mouth is closed. Pyjama Sharks have between 18 and 25 teeth on the upper jaw and 14 and 24 teeth on the lower jaw, arranged in two rows on either side. They use these to eat small fish, small sharks and rays, and even crabs and crustaceans. Each one of their teeth has three points, one large cusp in the middle and two smaller ones on either side.

In appearance, they are grey or brown with horizontal stripes running down their body. Their stripes break around their tail and near their eyes. They have lighter underbellies, which can also have slight speckling. Their stripes are one of the easiest ways to recognize this fish if you see it in the ocean.

Distribution, Population, and Habitat

Pyjama Sharks live off the coast of South Africa in temperate saltwater areas. They favor the Western Cape and are often seen there swimming in shallow inshore waters. They like to swim along the bottom of the ocean and in underwater kelp forests. They do prefer shallow coastal waters, but can be found from the intertidal zone down to depths of around 100 meters (330 feet). Some areas, such as Algoa Bay, have water as deep as 300 feet, where sharks are also found.

These sharks are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN and are commonly found in the coastal waters around South Africa, though they can be caught as bycatch and face some localized threats. They do not interact with or get aggressive with humans in the wild. They are smaller sharks, so people often do not see them, and these sharks tend to keep their distance anyway. They are popular in aquariums, which do much to conserve populations and educate the public.

Within its typical range, there are multiple marine reserves and protected areas. This helps Pyjama Sharks and other species live and reproduce without their habitat being diminished or threatened.

Where to Find Pyjama Sharks and How to Catch Them

Most fishermen do not actively look for or fish for Pyjama Sharks. They do get caught as bycatch but are often tossed back. Some people use the shark as cut bait for other species of fish and lobster. If you do want to fish for Pyjama Sharks, look in the shallow waters of bays in South Africa. The Western Cape is the area where they are most plentiful. Other popular areas to see them include Saldanha Bay, Table Bay, East London, and KwaZulu-Natal.

Predators and Prey

As one of the smaller sharks, Pyjama Sharks can be a tasty meal for larger sharks, which also prey on other small fish and sharks. These sharks make up an important part of their ecosystem and food chain.

What Eats the Pyjama Shark?

Larger sharks in the same waters eat Pyjama Sharks. One of their most common predators is the Broadnose Sevengill Shark. These sharks go after adult Pyjama Sharks as well as juveniles. When threatened, the shark curls into a ball to protect its head.

Some other ocean animals eat Pyjama Shark eggs. Some whelks (sea snails) pierce the egg’s outer shell and consume the yolk inside.

Humans are not a significant threat to Pyjama Sharks. However, many fishermen see them as a nuisance that goes after their catch. To combat this, some fishermen catch and kill them opportunistically. They do not do so in large enough numbers to negatively impact the Pyjama Shark population, though.

What Do Pyjama Sharks Eat?

Pyjama Sharks eat small bony fishes, including anchovies and gurnards. They also eat smaller sharks and even rays when they can. They show a preference for mollusks, such as octopus, squid, and cuttlefish. However, they are opportunistic eaters and will eat whatever prey is available.

These sharks are nocturnal and eat mostly during the night. They rest on the ocean floor for most of the day. This does deviate occasionally, especially when prey comes near. They also change their habits to go after the chokka squid, one of their favorite meals.

One of the most interesting feeding habits that Pyjama Sharks exhibit is ambushing their prey. This happens most often with a species of squid that lives in the South African waters. The sharks wait on the ocean floor in the egg beds, waiting for the female squids to come down to lay eggs. When they do, the shark goes after the squid and makes a meal of it. Pyjama sharks have been known to twist tentacles off both squid and octopus.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Female Pyjama Sharks lay eggs that hatch into baby Pyjama Sharks. Eggs are around 3.7 inches long and dark brown. The mother uses tendrils to attach the eggs to the ocean floor, where they incubate and mature. In captivity, scientists have seen the egg incubation period last just over 5 months.

Newly hatched Pyjama Sharks are around 5.5 to 5.9 inches long. They grow throughout their lifetime to an adult size of 35 inches long or larger. They can reproduce when they reach 31 to 33 inches long.

Fishing and Cooking

Most fishermen do not actively fish for these sharks. Those that do are mostly trying to get rid of sharks they consider pests. This is because Pyjama Sharks steal more desirable catches before fishermen can reel them in. Some do catch them and use them for bait.

The shark is edible but rarely used in cooking. Skinning sharks is usually difficult but important for ensuring good flavor. If you do decide to try them, make sure that it is allowed in the area. Frying is a popular preparation, as in a classic fish and chips dish.