Fish nocturnal

Draughtboard Shark

Cephaloscyllium laticeps

Known as the 'swellshark' of the south, the Draughtboard Shark is a master of camouflage with a surprising trick up its sleeve. This gentle bottom-dweller is a frequent visitor to Australian jetties and reefs, sporting a stunning checkerboard coat.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Typically 1 meter (3.3 feet) in length, reaching a maximum of 1.5 meters (5 feet); weighs between 5-12 kg (11-26 lbs).

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Colors

Variegated 'checkerboard' pattern consisting of dark brown to greyish-black blotches on a tan or light grey background; creamy white underside.

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Key Features

Distinctive dark rectangular patches across the back
Broad, flattened head with a very short, blunt snout
Two dorsal fins, with the first being significantly larger than the second
Cat-like eyes with reflective nictitating membranes

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern nocturnal

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Peak hours 9 PM - 4 AM

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Season Year-round, with increased sightings in shallow waters during winter spawning.

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Diet A benthic predator and scavenger that feeds on crustaceans (crabs and rock lobsters), cephalopods like octopus and squid, and small reef-dwelling fish.

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Habitat Coastal reefs, rocky seafloors, and kelp forests across southern Australia, often found near jetties and in shallow bays.

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Behavior

The Draughtboard Shark is a sluggish, bottom-dwelling species that spends much of its day resting in rocky crevices or among kelp forests. Despite their somewhat intimidating shark profile, they are remarkably docile and are often found 'napping' in groups. They are most famous for their unique defense mechanism: when threatened, they swallow large amounts of water or air to rapidly increase their body size, wedging themselves into rock cracks so predators cannot pull them out.

While they are solitary hunters, they are opportunistic scavengers and will congregate around areas with easy food sources, such as fishing wharves or reef edges. They pose no threat to humans and are a favorite for night divers due to their calm nature and the beautiful, intricate patterns that provide excellent camouflage against the dappled light of the sea floor.

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Camera Tips

Capturing a Draughtboard Shark on camera requires an underwater setup, typically a 'BRUV' (Baited Remote Underwater Video) system. If your 'backyard' is a canal, private jetty, or ocean-front property in Southern Australia, you are in luck. Position your waterproof AI camera on a weighted base to ensure it remains stable against the surge. The best placement is on the sandy interface right at the edge of a rocky reef or under a pier where the sharks naturally patrol for scraps.

To guarantee a sighting, use a scent lure. A perforated PVC tube filled with crushed oily fish (like pilchards or sardines) works wonders. Secure the bait tube approximately 1.5 meters in front of the lens. Because Draughtboard Sharks rely heavily on their sense of smell, they will follow the 'scent trail' directly to your camera. Set your camera to record in high-frame-rate video mode, as their movements are slow and deliberate, allowing the AI to easily track their unique checkerboard markings.

Since these sharks are primarily nocturnal, ensure your camera has high-quality infrared (IR) capabilities or use a low-intensity red light to illuminate the area without startling the wildlife. Check the tides before deployment; the hour following a high tide at night is often the most productive. If you are placing a camera in a kelp forest, ensure the lens is clear of swaying fronds that might trigger false recordings or obscure the shark's profile. Finally, always rinse your camera housing in fresh water after every saltwater deployment to prevent corrosion of the seals.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Draughtboard Shark.

Rusty Carpetshark

Smaller and more slender with a more uniform orange-brown coloration and smaller spots rather than large rectangular blocks.

Spotted Swellshark

Features much smaller, finer spots across its body rather than the large, bold draughtboard patches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Draughtboard Shark are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active under the cover of darkness. They usually spend their daylight hours resting in caves or kelp, emerging after sunset to scavenge for food along the seafloor.

To attract a Draughtboard Shark, use a baited remote underwater video (BRUV) setup. Place oily fish like sardines or mackerel in a perforated container. The strong scent will draw these scavengers from down-current directly to your lens.

Their diet consists of bottom-dwelling creatures including crabs, lobsters, shrimp, squid, and small fish. They are opportunistic feeders and are known to scavenge for scraps left behind by fishermen.

In southern Australia, they are very common near coastal suburban areas, particularly around boat ramps, public jetties, and rocky swimming spots where there is plenty of structure for them to hide in.

The easiest way to identify a Draughtboard Shark is by its 'checkerboard' pattern of dark rectangular blotches. Unlike many other sharks, they have a very broad, blunt head and a sluggish swimming style, often appearing to 'crawl' along the bottom.

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