Bluntnose Sixgill Shark [Hexanchus griseus]
Description
Hexanchus griseus, or the Bluntnose Sixgill Shark, is one of the largest shark species, capable of reaching lengths of up to 4.8 meters. It has a distinctly blunt snout and six long gill slits. It is characterized by its dark brown or grey color. This shark is a deep-water species usually found at depths of up to 2,500 meters, but it can come to shallower waters at night to feed. It preys on a variety of marine animals, including other sharks, rays, and squids. It is widely distributed in tropical and temperate waters worldwide.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Cartilaginous Fish
Chondrichthyes
|
| Order |
Ground Sharks
Carcharhiniformes
|
| Family |
Longnose Sawtails
Pristiophoridae
|
| Genus |
Sixgill Sawsharks
Pliotrema
|