The blackfin gulper shark is a dogfish with a not so well defined distribution.
Blackfin Gulper Shark Scientific Classification |
|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Chondrichthyes |
| Order | Squaliformes |
| Family | Centrophoridae |
| Genus | Centrophorus |
| Scientific Name | C. isodon |
Description
Male blackfin gulper sharks are about 2.5-2.8 feet long, while the females are a bit larger at 2.6-3.1 feet long. Their snouts are flat, and the skin is smooth and covered with block-shaped denticles.
Dorsally these dogfish are blackish-grey and much lighter ventrally. The webs of the fins are black, which gives the shark its name.
Where do they live
Map Of The Blackfin Gulper Shark’s Habitat
The rarity of the species has made it difficult to determine its exact range, with sightings in the west Pacific and Indian Oceans.
These sharks live on the continental shelves, at depths ranging from 1427 to 2526 ft. They seem to have a preference for tropical waters.
Behavior
Feeding
While the exact diet remains unknown, an examination of the stomach contents of captured specimens reveals that cephalopods and fishes seem to be commonly consumed.
Reproductive
Blackfin gulper sharks are viviparous, giving live birth to a litter of 2 pups. At birth, these sharks are 12.2-13.7 inches long.
Interactions with humans
There is little data about this shark, but the IUCN classified it as “Endangered” or “EN” due to heavy fishing pressure in its potential range.
