Fin's Fish Guide
The Little gulper shark (Centrophorus uyato) is a saltwater fish of the family Centrophoridae that grows up to 110 cm.
Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, on soft bottoms and slopes of the deeper continental slope area.
Description
The little gulper shark is a slender deep-sea shark of the family Centrophoridae (gulper sharks) reaching about 1.1 metres. The grey-brown, streamlined body has large, green-shining eyes and a grooved spine before each dorsal fin; an anal fin is absent, as in all dogfish sharks. The species lives on soft bottoms and slopes of the deeper continental slope in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. There it hunts deep-sea fish, squid and crustaceans. It is long-lived and reproduces very slowly, with small litters of live-born young. Through fishing for its oil-rich liver and as bycatch it has declined sharply and is assessed as Endangered (EN).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Little gulper shark?
The Little gulper shark has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender deep-sea shark with large, green-shining eyes and a grooved spine in front of each dorsal fin; no anal fin.
Where does the Little gulper shark live?
The Little gulper shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, on soft bottoms and slopes of the deeper continental slope area.
How big does the Little gulper shark get?
The Little gulper shark grows to a maximum of about 110 cm.
Is the Little gulper shark dangerous to humans?
The Little gulper shark can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. Not venomous, but a predatory shark with sharp teeth: keep your distance from a hooked or landed shark and handle only with proper equipment.
Is the Little gulper shark edible?
The Little gulper shark is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Little 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 Little gulper shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Little gulper shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.