An unmistakable shark with a flat, bladelike, elongated snout and very small eyes. Very long-cusped teeth in long, protrusible jaws. No nictitating membrane. Small dorsal fins, low and rounded. Anal fin is larger than dorsal fins. Pectoral fins small. Pelvic fins large, bigger than dorsal fins. No precaudal pit, no keels.
Coloration
Pinkish-white with bluish fins. Dead specimen turn brownish.
Distribution
Western Atlantic: French Guiana. Eastern Atlantic: Bay of Biscay, Madeira, Portugal, South Africa. Western Indian Ocean: South Africa. Western Pacific: Japan, Australia.
Biology
Little-known species. Lives in deeper water, down to 1200 m, close to bottom. Inhabits outer shelf and upper slope areas. The unique bladelike snout may be used as a forward-projecting prey detector.
Diet
Fishes, cephalopods and crustaceans.
Size
Average size between 200 cm and 300 cm, maximum total length 350 cm.
Reproduction
Unknown..
Similar Species
Unmistakable.
Vulnerability
Category:Least Concern (LC) Criteria: - Last evaluated:2018 Trend: