scubaseason

Galapagos Bullhead Shark

Heterodontus quoyi

Sighting evidence at Punta Mangle, Fernandina Island

The Galapagos bullhead shark is a bottom-dwelling, nocturnal species that hunts sea urchins and hard-shelled invertebrates along the rocky lava substrate at Punta Mangle. Their unique dentition — front teeth for gripping, back teeth like molars for crushing — is an evolutionary specialization visible if divers observe them feeding at close range. During the day they rest motionless in crevices and under ledges, their patterned skin blending with the speckled lava, and patient divers with a guide who knows the site's hiding spots can reliably find them.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Galapagos Bullhead 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.