Fin's Fish Guide
The Frilled shark (Chlamydoselachus anguineus) is a saltwater fish of the family Chlamydoselachidae that grows up to 200 cm.
Distributed worldwide but rare everywhere, along continental slopes in the deep sea, including the eastern Atlantic.
Description
The frilled shark is an eel-shaped primitive shark of the family Chlamydoselachidae reaching about 2 metres, often called a 'living fossil'. The slender, dark-brown body has six pairs of gill slits with frilly edges, dorsal, pelvic and anal fins set far back, and a terminal mouth full of hundreds of three-pronged, needle-sharp teeth. The species occurs worldwide but is everywhere rare, along continental slopes in the deep sea, including the eastern Atlantic, usually at hundreds to over a thousand metres. With its expandable mouth and jaws it seizes squid, other sharks and fish, which it can swallow whole. Reproduction is ovoviviparous with an exceptionally long gestation. Living specimens are only rarely observed.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Frilled shark?
The Frilled shark has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Eel-shaped primitive shark with six pairs of frilled gill slits, a terminal mouth full of three-pointed, needle-sharp teeth and a strongly set-back dorsal fin.
Where does the Frilled shark live?
The Frilled shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Distributed worldwide but rare everywhere, along continental slopes in the deep sea, including the eastern Atlantic.
How big does the Frilled shark get?
The Frilled shark grows to a maximum of about 200 cm.
Is the Frilled shark dangerous to humans?
No, the Frilled shark is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Frilled shark edible?
The Frilled shark is not usually eaten.
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Want the complete picture on the Frilled shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Frilled shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.