Inhabits shallow reef caves and crevices and kelp beds along the coast and offshore islands.  This shark feeds at night on fishes and crustaceans and is totally harmless to divers.

For defense, the swell shark inflates its stomach with water to tightly lodge itself in a reef crevice.  

Edibility is poor.

Range is from Monterey Bay to Acapulco.  Also found in Chile.