Trunk stout and compressed and very high, with strong abdominal ridges (triangular body). Large spiracles located closely behind the eyes. Mouth transverse, with very long labial furrows. Both dorsal fins sail-like with spines and are larger than the pelvic fins. No anal fin.
Coloration
Grey to light brown, darker spots on the sides.
Distribution
Eastern Atlantic: England, Bay of Biscay and Mediterranean. West coast of Africa to South Africa.
Biology
A rare species of the continental shelf and the upper slope, at depths of 60 m to 600 m.
Diet
Feeds on molluscs such as polychaetes.
Size
Average size between 80 cm to 100 cm, total maximum length about 150 cm.
Reproduction
Aplacental viviparous. 7 to 8 pups per litter. Sexual maturity is reached at a size of about 50 cm.
Similar Species
The Sailfin roughshark lives in the same area (except the Mediterranean) but its dorsal fins are much higher.
Vulnerability
Category:Endangered (EN) Criteria:A2d Last evaluated:2021 Trend:
