Fin's Fish Guide
The 7-gilled shark (Heptranchias perlo) is a saltwater fish of the family Hexanchidae that grows up to 137 cm.
Circumglobal in tropical and temperate seas (except the northeast Pacific); in the eastern Atlantic from Morocco to Namibia and the Mediterranean Sea.
Description
The sharpnose sevengill shark is a slender deep-sea shark of the family Hexanchidae reaching about 140 cm. It is notable for its seven gill slits, rather than the five most sharks have, and a single dorsal fin set far back. The snout is pointed and the eyes are fluorescent green in living animals. The body is greyish-brown above and paler below. The species occurs circumglobally in tropical and temperate seas, including the Mediterranean, usually at depths of 180 to 450 m, hunting small sharks, rays, fish and squid. It is ovoviviparous; its flesh is poisonous to eat and the shark is quick to bite.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the 7-gilled shark?
The 7-gilled shark has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Slender deep-sea shark with seven gill slits instead of the usual five, one dorsal fin, a pointed snout and fluorescent green eyes.
Where does the 7-gilled shark live?
The 7-gilled shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Circumglobal in tropical and temperate seas (except the northeast Pacific); in the eastern Atlantic from Morocco to Namibia and the Mediterranean Sea.
How big does the 7-gilled shark get?
The 7-gilled shark grows to a maximum of about 137 cm. On average the species is around 100 cm.
Is the 7-gilled shark dangerous to humans?
The 7-gilled shark is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Small but quick to bite: can bite hard when handled. Clean and disinfect bite wounds; the flesh is also poisonous to eat.
Is the 7-gilled shark edible?
The 7-gilled shark is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the 7-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
More from the family Hexanchidae
Want the complete picture on the 7-gilled shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the 7-gilled shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.