Crocodile Shark

A medium-sized spindle-shaped shark with very large eyes lacking a nictitating membrane, long gill slits extending onto dorsal surface of head, lanceolate teeth, weak keel and precaudal pits on caudal peduncle (Ref. 6871, 43278). Small and low dorsal fins, with second dorsal fin less than half the size of the first but larger than the anal fin (Ref. 6871). Pectoral fin broad and rounded (Ref. 6871). Light or dark grey above, paler below, fins white-edged, sometimes with small white spots on body and a white blotch between mouth and gill slits (Ref. 13569).

Exhibit ovoviparity (aplacental viviparity), with embryos feeding on other ova produced by the mother (oophagy) after the yolk sac is absorbed (Ref. 50449). With 4 young in a litter, born at 40-43 cm (Ref. 11228).

Oceanodromous. Migrating within oceans typically between spawning and different feeding areas, as tunas do. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 0

An oceanic species usually found offshore and far from land but sometimes occurring inshore. Feeds on small pelagic bony fishes, squids and shrimps.

An oceanic species usually found offshore and far from land but sometimes occurring inshore (Ref. 9993, 43278, 58302). Epi- and mesopelagic, with occasional near-bottom occurrences (Ref. 43278, 58302). Although considered not dangerous to people, its powerful jaws, jaw muscles and teeth invite respect. Flesh not appreciated and therefore the catch is usually discarded (Ref. 247); utilized for its large, squalene-rich liver (Ref. 9993). Feeds on small pelagic bony fishes, squids and shrimps (Ref. 5578). Ovoviviparous, embryos feeding on yolk sac and other ova produced by the mother (Ref. 50449). With 4 young in a litter, born at 40 to 43 cm TL (Ref. 12288). Maximum length for female given in Romanove et.al 1994 (Ref. 44781). Common bycatch of tuna longline fisheries, and occasionally tuna gillnet fisheries (Ref.58048).

fisheries: minor commercial; price category: unknown; price reliability: