How to wrangle a Horn Shark

These sharks lay on the bottom and mind their own business… until someone like me comes along. They have two very sharp needle-like spines at the dorsal fins and they will hurt! Trust me, I know. They also have several rows of teeth and a crushing bite.

DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!

  1. Find a Horn Shark
    As a nocturnal and solitary character, the horn shark conceals itself in kelp forests, crevices and caves during the day to emerge at dusk to feed on a variety of marine invertebrates such as sea urchins, crabs, shrimp, squid, sea stars and many sessile species.
  2. Identify the Horn Shark
    The horn shark is small species typically measuring 1 m (3.3 ft) in length, and can be recognized by a short, blunt head with ridges over its eyes, two high dorsal fins with large spines, and a brown or gray coloration with many small dark spots.
  3. Extricate the Horn Shark
    Wearing gloves, carefully reach into the sleeping horn shark’s lair and apply a firm grip on the caudal keel, just ahead of caudal fin. Pull gently but firmly, using your second hand to grasp the pectoral fin.
  4. Avoid the Horn Shark’s Horn!
    The horn shark have spines on the 1st and 2nd dorsal fins as well as the anal fin. The first dorsal fin originates over the pectoral-fin bases. These spines are mildly poisonous and can inflict a painful wound. They’re used for defence.
The horn shark has a distinctively shaped head with prominent ridges above its eyes.
The horn shark has a distinctively shaped head with prominent ridges above its eyes.

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