Eel-like shark with 6 gill slits, the lower ends of the first slits are nearly connected to each other across the throat. Snout extremely short with a terminal mouth. One dorsal fin.
Coloration
Dark brown.
Distribution
Wide-ranging with patchy distribution. Eastern Atlantic: Norway, Scotland, Bay of Biscay, Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Mauretania, Madeira, Angola, Namibia and South Africa. Western Pacific: Japan, Australia. Eastern Pacific: Southern California, northern Chile.
Biology
A more bottom-oriented species (benthic) of the outer continental shelves, at depths between 120 m and 1300 m. Sometimes found at the surface too.
Diet
Feeds on bony fishes and small sharks.
Size
Maximum size about 200 cm, average size about 150 cm to 170 cm.
Reproduction
Aplacental viviparous (ovoviviparous). 8 to 12 pups per litter. Size at birth about 40 cm. Males reach sexual maturity at 95 cm, females at 135 cm.
Similar Species
No similar species.
Vulnerability
Category:Least Concern (LC) Criteria: - Last evaluated:2024 Trend: