Smallfin gulper shark explained

The smallfin gulper shark or endeavour dogfish, (Centrophorus moluccensis) is a medium-sized deepwater dogfish in the family Centrophoridae.

Physical characteristics

The smallfin gulper has no anal fin, two dorsal fins with spines, long free rear tips on pectoral fins, and a deeply notched caudal fin. Its maximum length is .

Distribution

The smallfin gulper is found in the western Indian Ocean off South Africa and Mozambique, and the western Pacific off Honshū, Japan, Indonesia, New Hebrides, New Caledonia, and Australia. The Australian populations are regarded as near threatened in the Eastern[1] and least concern in the Western[2] populations.

Habits and habitat

Smallfin gulpers are common deepwater sharks. They live near the bottom between and . They are ovoviviparous and have two pups per litter. Their diets are primarily bony fish, but also other sharks, molluscs, crustaceans, and even tunicates are consumed.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Graham, K. . 2013 . Centrophorus moluccensis (Eastern Australian subpopulation) . e.T16727327A16727414 . 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T16727327A16727414.en. 23 August 2023.
  2. Graham, K. . 2013 . Centrophorus moluccensis (Western Australian subpopulation) . e.T16727330A16727428 . 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T16727330A16727428.en. 23 August 2023.
  3. FAO Species Catalogue Volume 4 Parts 1 and 2 Sharks of the World