The genera and species of "Blind sharks"

This family consists only of 2 species. Their appearance resembles nurse sharks. Barbels are present with a small transverse mouth in front of the eyes. Their heads are broad and somewhat flattened with very large spiracles. Blind sharks are common, small and harmless sharks of temperate and tropical waters around Australia. They live on the bottom over the continental shelf from the intertidal zone down to about 100 m and can sometimes be found in water depths that barely covers them. They prefer rocky or coral areas. At least one of the two species is aplacental viviparous (ovoviviparous). Blind sharks feed on small fishes, crustaceans and sea anemones. Their common name derives from the fact that the species Brachaelurus waddi closes its eyes when removed from the water.