Relatively stout body, with trunk tapering strongly toward the head. Long snout, relatively narrow and bell-shaped (preoral snout about 9 to 11 % of total body length). Gill slits moderately large but smaller than eye diameter. Fairly broad nostrils (incurrent and excurrent apertures very large and circular). First dorsal fin slightly smaller than second one. Origin of first dorsal fin over or slightly anterior to pelvic fin midbases. Insertion of second dorsal fin opposite anal fin insertion. Pectoral fins small. Pelvic fins high and broadly rounded. Anal fin short, high and angular (about three times as long as high).
Coloration
Grey to blackish. Young have white tips on pectoral and dorsal fins that may be present in some adults.
Distribution
Western North Atlantic: Off Massachusetts. Eastern North Atlantic: Porcupine Bank (west of Ireland).
Biology
A little-known, possibly bottom dwelling shark found over the continental slope from 650 down to 1750 m.
Diet
Unknown.
Size
Maximum size at least about 85 cm.
Reproduction
Unknown, but most likely oviparous (egg laying).
Similar Species
Body and head shape are distinctive.
Vulnerability
Category:Least Concern (LC) Criteria: - Last evaluated:2019 Trend: