Bramble Sharks [Echinorhinus]

Description

Echinorhinus is the sole genus within the family Echinorhinidae, commonly known as bramble sharks due to their unique dermal denticles that resemble brambles or thorns. These sharks are characterized by their bulky bodies, short snouts, and two small, spineless dorsal fins set far back on their bodies. Lacking an anal fin, they also possess a distinctive skin texture, covered in large, thorn-like denticles. Bramble sharks are found in temperate and tropical seas worldwide, typically on continental and insular shelves and slopes. They are benthic by nature, often found at depths ranging from shallow waters to over 900 meters. The genus includes a few species, such as the Bramble Shark (Echinorhinus brucus) and the Prickly Shark (Echinorhinus cookei), both of which are known for their solitary and elusive nature, making them relatively rare in sightings and scientific captures. Their diet consists mainly of bony fishes, smaller sharks, and invertebrates. Due to their deep-sea habitat and elusive nature, there is limited information on their behavior and reproduction, but they are believed to be ovoviviparous, with embryos feeding on yolk in the womb before birth.

Species

Prickly Shark [Echinorhinus cookei]

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Bramble Shark [Echinorhinus brucus]