Squaliformes

Bramble Shark

Echinorhinus brucus

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Max Length

3.1m

Litter Size

15-26 pups

Overview

A rare, sluggish deep-water shark covered in distinctive thorn-like denticles that give it a bramble-covered appearance. One of the most primitive living sharks. Found in scattered deep-water locations globally.

Habitat

Deepwater, continental and island shelves and slopes, on or near the bottom 656.2 to 2952.8 ft [200 to 900 m]. In shallow, cold water upwelling areas.

Distribution

Tropical & subtropical seas worldwide

East Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Indo-west Pacific Ocean.

Behavior

Poorly known, presumed to be sluggish.

Biology

Diet: Bony fish, small sharks, and crustaceans.
Reproduction: Ovoviviparous with 15-26 pups per litter
Male Maturity: 1.5m

Appearance

Dorsal: Grey, brownish or blackish, and often lighter below. May have red or black spots or blotches on back and sides. Fin edges are blackish.

Sources:sharksorg

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the bramble shark dangerous to humans?

The bramble 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

Bramble Shark

Echinorhinus brucus

Back to species

Max Length

3.1m

Litter Size

15-26 pups

Overview

Habitat

Deepwater, continental and island shelves and slopes, on or near the bottom 656.2 to 2952.8 ft [200 to 900 m]. In shallow, cold water upwelling areas.

Distribution

Tropical & subtropical seas worldwide

East Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Indo-west Pacific Ocean.

Behavior

Poorly known, presumed to be sluggish.

Biology

Diet: Bony fish, small sharks, and crustaceans.
Reproduction: Ovoviviparous with 15-26 pups per litter
Male Maturity: 1.5m

Appearance

Dorsal: Grey, brownish or blackish, and often lighter below. May have red or black spots or blotches on back and sides. Fin edges are blackish.

Sources:sharksorg

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the bramble shark dangerous to humans?

The bramble 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