Fin's Fish Guide
The 6-gilled shark (Hexanchus griseus) is a saltwater fish of the family Hexanchidae that grows up to 600 cm.
Circumglobal with a scattered distribution in temperate and tropical seas; absent from the polar regions.
Description
The bluntnose sixgill shark is a large, heavily built deep-sea shark of the family Hexanchidae reaching about 600 cm. Unlike most sharks it has six gill slits and only a single dorsal fin set far back. The body is brown to grey with a pale side stripe and white fin edges; living animals have fluorescent green eyes. The species occurs circumglobally and patchily on the outer slope, seamounts and mid-ocean ridges, usually between 180 and 1100 m. It makes vertical migrations: resting near the bottom by day and rising at night to hunt fish, sharks, crustaceans and carrion. Large individuals even take seals and other marine mammals.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the 6-gilled shark?
The 6-gilled shark has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Large, heavily built deep-sea shark with six gill slits instead of five, one dorsal fin set far back, a light side stripe and fluorescent green eyes.
Where does the 6-gilled shark live?
The 6-gilled shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Circumglobal with a scattered distribution in temperate and tropical seas; absent from the polar regions.
How big does the 6-gilled shark get?
The 6-gilled shark grows to a maximum of about 600 cm. On average the species is around 300 cm.
Is the 6-gilled shark dangerous to humans?
The 6-gilled shark can cause injury; handle it with care. A large deep-water shark that normally avoids people, but its size and powerful jaws can cause injury; keep your distance and never handle a captured animal with bare hands.
Is the 6-gilled shark edible?
The 6-gilled shark is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the 6-gilled shark and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hexanchus
More from the family Hexanchidae
Want the complete picture on the 6-gilled shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the 6-gilled shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.