Shark Projects
Learn about sharks
All about sharks
Shark protection projects
Projects

Photo © Alexa Elliot

Photo © Alexa Elliot

Photo © Alexa Elliot

Learn about sharks

For example where and when they migrate

For example where and when they migrate

For example where and when they migrate

Photo © Guy Harvey Research Institute

Photo © Guy Harvey Research Institute

Photo © Guy Harvey Research Institute

Shark projects
We support research and public outreach projects

Photo © Matt Potensky

Photo © Matt Potensky

Photo © Matt Potensky

previous arrow
next arrow

The shark species "One-finned shark"

Photo
One-finned shark
One-finned shark
Photo © Marinethemes.com

Photo © Marinethemes.com

Range Map
North America South America Africa Australia Europe Asia Coming soon Coming soon
North America South America Africa Australia Europe Asia Coming soon Coming soon
One-finned shark

Rough area of distribution

Taxonomy
Kingdom:
Animals (Animalia)
Phylum:
Vertebrates (Chordata)
Class:
Cartilagenous fishes (Chondrichthyes)
Order:
Frilled and cow sharks (Hexanchiformes)
Family:
Cow sharks (Hexanchidae)
Genus:
Heptranchias
Names
Scientific:
Heptranchias perlo
English:
One-finned shark , Perlon shark , Sevengill cow shark , Sharpnose sevengill shark , Sharpsnouted sevengill , Slender sevengill , Sharpnose sevengill shark
German:
Spitzkopf-Siebenkiemerhai
French:
Requin perlon
Spanish:
Canabota bocadulce
Appearance
7 pairs of gill slits. Narrow, pointed head with large, green fluorescent eyes. One dorsal fin. Long caudal peduncle.
Coloration
Greyish-brown on back, lighter ventral surface. Tip of dorsal fin and caudal fin can be dusky, prominent in young, absent or faded in adults.
Distribution
Wide ranging in tropical and temperate seas. Western Atlantic: North Carolina to Cuba, Gulf of Mexico. Southern Brazil, Argentina. Eastern Atlantic: Morocco, Angola, western Mediterranean. Indian Ocean: South Africa, Mozambique, India. Western Pacific: Japan, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand. Eastern Pacific: Chile.
Biology
Lives preferably in deeper waters over the continental shelves and upper slopes, usually between 25 m and 700 m depth. Can also be found close to the surface. This species is probably a strong swimmer.
Diet
Fishes (such as hake), squid and crustaceans.
Size
Average size between 90 cm and 110 cm, maximum length about 135 cm.
Reproduction
Aplacental viviparous (ovoviviparous). 9 to 20 pups per litter. Size at birth is 25 cm. Males reach sexual maturity at about 85 cm, females at 90 cm.
Similar Species
Can be mistaken for the , however the Broadnose seven gill has a distinctive color (numerous black spots over entire body), small eyes and is much bigger.
Vulnerability
Category: Near Threatened (NT)
Criteria: A2bd
Last evaluated: 2020
Trend: Decreasing




© IUCN Red List 2024. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Version 2024-2.

Danger to Humans
Harmless, although bites when caught.

Support the Shark Foundation in its work to protect sharks.