Bluntnose Sixgill Sharks [Hexanchus]

Description

Hexanchus is a genus within the family Hexanchidae, known for their distinctive appearance, featuring six gill slits which is unusual among modern sharks as most have five. These deep-water predators have a large, blunt nose, and their body color can range from a dark brown to a grayish hue. They have a global distribution and are often found near the continental shelves and slopes, venturing into deep waters. They are notable for their large size, with some species growing to lengths of several meters. The diet of these sharks largely consists of fish, rays, and crustaceans. They have a unique reproductive system where they are ovoviviparous, meaning eggs develop inside the female and hatch internally, with the female later giving birth to live young.

Species

Taxonomy