scubaseason

Pyjama Shark

Poroderma africanum

Sighting evidence at Roman Rock Lighthouse Reef, False Bay

The pyjama shark is a small, distinctively striped endemic catshark that rests in crevices and under ledges across the Roman Rock reef, often in groups of several individuals huddled together. These nocturnal predators feed on small fish and cephalopods after dark, and night dives at Roman Rock regularly reveal them actively hunting across the reef substrate. Their bold black-and-white longitudinal stripes are distinctive and make them immediately identifiable even to novice divers, and their docile temperament makes them one of the most approachable shark species in False Bay.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Pyjama Shark is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.