A slender houndshark with a long snout. Large horizontally oval shaped eyes. Origin of the first dorsal fin is over or slightly behind the free rear ends of the pectoral fins. Second dorsal fin is much smaller than first one and is of similar height as the anal fin that is opposite to it.
Coloration
Bronze to grey-brown upper body, whitish pale ventral surface.
Distribution
Western Atlantic: southern Brazil to Argentina. Eastern Atlantic: Iceland, Faroe Islands and Great Britain. Mediterranean. Senegal and other areas of the western coast of Africa, except South Africa, are questionable. Western Pacific: Australia, New Zealand. Central Pacific: Laysan Islands. Eastern Pacific: British Columbia to southern Baja California, Peru and Chile.
Biology
An active and fast swimming species of coastal waters. Sometimes found in pelagic waters but not oceanic. Prefers depths from the surface down to about 470 m. Often found in small schools that are highly migratory. Males and females live segregated except during mating season. Juveniles are born in shallow water. This species is sometimes called the "Soupfin shark".
Diet
Primarily fishes. They are very opportunistic and feed on bottom-living species and pelagic ones (such as herrings, sardines and others). Other prey items are crabs and invertebrates in general.
Size
Average size between 120 cm to 140 cm, maximum total length about 195 cm.
Reproduction
Aplacental viviparous (ovoviviparous). 6 to 52 pups per litter, mostly between 20 to 35. Size at birth between 30 cm and 40 cm. Males reach sexual maturity at an age of 8 years and a size between 120 cm and 170 cm, females at 11 years and 130 cm to 185 cm. It is estimated that this species can reach an age of at least 55 years.
Similar Species
None.
Vulnerability
Category:Critically Endangered (CR) Criteria:A2bd Last evaluated:2020 Trend:
