Squaliformes

Gulper Shark

Centrophorus granulosus

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Max Length

1.6m

Litter Size

2 pups

Overview

A deep-water dogfish shark targeted heavily for its squalene-rich liver oil, used in cosmetics and industrial lubricants. Extremely vulnerable to overexploitation due to a very low reproductive rate — just one pup per litter.

Habitat

Continental shelves and slopes, on or near the bottom from 164 to 4724.4 ft [50 to1440 m], mostly between 656.2 and1968.5 ft [200 and600 m].

Distribution

Tropical & subtropical seas worldwide

Widespread in the Atlantic and west Indian Oceans, and the west and possibly central Pacific.

Biology

Diet: Bony fishes and also squid and crustaceans.
Reproduction: Ovoviviparous, with 1 or 2 pups per litter

Appearance

Dorsal: Dark grey or grey-brown on top, and lighter below with dusky fin webs and dark fin tips only in the juveniles.

Sources:sharksorg

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the gulper shark dangerous to humans?

The gulper shark is not considered dangerous to humans under normal conditions. There are few or no recorded incidents involving this species.

Where does this species data come from?

Species profiles are compiled from peer-reviewed taxonomy and published references. Incident data is sourced from the Global Shark Attack File and joined to species records by name match.

Back to species

Squaliformes

Gulper Shark

Centrophorus granulosus

Back to species

Max Length

1.6m

Litter Size

2 pups

Overview

Habitat

Continental shelves and slopes, on or near the bottom from 164 to 4724.4 ft [50 to1440 m], mostly between 656.2 and1968.5 ft [200 and600 m].

Distribution

Tropical & subtropical seas worldwide

Widespread in the Atlantic and west Indian Oceans, and the west and possibly central Pacific.

Biology

Diet: Bony fishes and also squid and crustaceans.
Reproduction: Ovoviviparous, with 1 or 2 pups per litter

Appearance

Dorsal: Dark grey or grey-brown on top, and lighter below with dusky fin webs and dark fin tips only in the juveniles.

Sources:sharksorg

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the gulper shark dangerous to humans?

The gulper shark is not considered dangerous to humans under normal conditions. There are few or no recorded incidents involving this species.

Where does this species data come from?

Species profiles are compiled from peer-reviewed taxonomy and published references. Incident data is sourced from the Global Shark Attack File and joined to species records by name match.

Back to species