Sydney Harbour Species

The Port Jackson shark inhabits the temperate waters surrounding Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour). The appearance of this shark species is browner in colour than its relatives and possesses distinct harness-like markings making them easily distinguishable. The Port Jackson shark can grow up to 1.65 metres in length and feeds on molluscs, small fish and echinoderms.

Boxfish are named for their boxy shaped bodies, which is slightly different to a normal slim shaped fish. In Sydney Harbour you will find several species of boxfish varying in size. The smaller the boxfish the brighter yellow and the more vibrant their spots appear. You can find our boxfish in our Sydney Harbour zone. 

The characteristic silver and black striped Old wife (Enoplosus armatus) has two prominent dorsal fins and a concaved forehead. This species of fish is native to the temperate coastal waters of Australia and grows up to 50 centimetres long. The Old wife has been observed to swim in pairs or large schools.

Goatfish can be recognised by the two barbels on their chin. They use these to shuffle through the substrate to find food. Here at SEA LIFE Sydney we have 2 species of Goatfish, the Red Goatfish and the black Goatfish, both can be found in our Shark Valley zone. 

The Snapper is typically found amongst rocky reefs and estuaries along the coasts in Australasia. This species can grow up to 1.3 metres in length and its diet is predominantly made up of crustaceans, fish, marine worms, starfish and sea urchins. Unfortunately, there are growing concerns about the Snapper’s diminishing population due to overfishing.