Fin's Fish Guide
The Gulper shark (Centrophorus granulosus) is a saltwater fish of the family Centrophoridae that grows up to 170 cm.
Circumglobal in almost all ocean basins, with the exception of the eastern Pacific; mainly on the outer half of the continental shelf and the upper slope.
Description
The gulper shark is a deep-sea shark of the family Centrophoridae whose females reach about 165 cm. The body is uniformly brown to greyish-brown with large, green-shining eyes adapted to dim light. A spine stands in front of each of the two dorsal fins, and the first dorsal fin is notably long and low. The species lives on the outer continental shelf and upper slope, usually between 200 and 600 m, hunting bony fishes, squid and crustaceans. It is ovoviviparous and grows very slowly, which leaves the species assessed as Endangered owing to fishing pressure.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Gulper shark?
The Gulper shark has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Deep-sea shark with large green eyes, a spine in front of each dorsal fin and a strikingly long, low first dorsal fin; uniformly brown.
Where does the Gulper shark live?
The Gulper shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Circumglobal in almost all ocean basins, with the exception of the eastern Pacific; mainly on the outer half of the continental shelf and the upper slope.
How big does the Gulper shark get?
The Gulper shark grows to a maximum of about 170 cm.
Is the Gulper shark dangerous to humans?
No, the Gulper shark is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Gulper shark edible?
The Gulper shark is rarely eaten.
Easily confused with
These species look like the Gulper 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 Centrophorus
More from the family Centrophoridae
Want the complete picture on the Gulper shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Gulper shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.