BLUNTNOSE SIX GILL SHARK
Hexanchus griseus (Bonnaterre, 1758)
| Usual Size | To 482cm, although specimens off the UK usually between 150/200cm |
| UK Record Weight |
BOAT 9lb 8oz
|
| Identification | Upper side of the body grey or brown and the under side lighter than the upper side. Six gill slits rather than the normal 5 as found in other shark species |
| Habitat | Mostly a deep water shark, although juveniles have been known to come into shallower waters. Found at depths of 200/1000m. Usually located on the bottom, rarely ventures to the surface. |
| Range | Within UK waters recorded off the coast of Ireland and Scotland |
| Food | Boney fishes (mainly Cod, Pollack, Haddock, Pout and Hake) as well as other elasmobranchs (sharks, skates and rays). Believed it may also prey on seals. |
| Reproduction | Aplacentally
viviparous (live bearing) Litter sizes between 22 and 100 pups which are
60cm at birth.
|
| Additional Notes | Potential weight in excess of 1000lbs. |
| References | A Field Guide to The Sharks of British Coastal Waters - Vas 1991 FAO Species Catalogue 4 - Sharks of The World - Compagno Fishes of the North-Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean - Whitehead, Bauchot, Hureau, Nielsen, Tortonese Key to the Fishes of Northern Europe - Wheeler |
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