WHAT TO LOOK FOR
A stout shark with six gill slits. The shark has a short blunt snout and its single dorsal fin is set far back near the caudal fin.

COLOR
Brown to dark gray above; off-white below. Its fins have thin white trailing edges.

SIZE
Maximum total length is 15.8 ft [4.82 m]. Females mature at 14.7 to 15.7 ft [4.5 to 4.8 m].

TEETH
Fang-like teeth in upper jaw, broad saw-like teeth in lower jaw.

HABITAT
Marine or benthic and pelagic. The shark is found on continental and insular shelves and upper slopes, from the surface to 6,150 ft [1875 m]. Juveniles are often found close inshore.

DISTRIBUTION
Temperate and tropical seas.

BIOLOGY

• Prey – Fish, small sharks and cephalopods.

• Reproduction – Ovoviviparous. Litters are large and range in size from 22 to 108. Size at birth is 25.6 to 27.6 inches [65 to 70 cm].

BEHAVIOR
The shark is sluggish, but it is a strong swimmer. Apparently it is nocturnal and very sensitive to high light levels.

DISPOSITION
Unknown. Danger to humans – due to the shark’s large size and dentition it should be treated with caution.