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Mosaic gulper shark (Centrophorus tessellatus) — Centrophoridae

Mosaic gulper shark

Centrophorus tessellatus

The Mosaic gulper shark (Centrophorus tessellatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Centrophoridae that grows up to 89 cm.

Length
89 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
20.0–732.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: China, French Polynesia, Japan, Hawaii

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Description

The mosaic gulper shark is a deep-sea shark (Centrophoridae) of the continental slope. The species grows to about 90 cm and has a stocky, grey-brown body with a mosaic-like pattern of rough dermal denticles, large green eyes and a sharp spine in front of each dorsal fin. As a sluggish bottom-oriented hunter of the depths it feeds on small fish, squid and crustaceans. Through its deep way of life it is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Mosaic gulper shark?

The Mosaic gulper shark has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Mosaic gulper shark live?

The Mosaic gulper shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: China, French Polynesia, Japan, Hawaii

How big does the Mosaic gulper shark get?

The Mosaic gulper shark grows to a maximum of about 89 cm.

Is the Mosaic gulper shark dangerous to humans?

No, the Mosaic gulper shark is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Mosaic gulper shark sourced
Scientific name
Centrophorus tessellatus
Family
Centrophoridae
Other names
Mosaic gulper shark verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
89.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
20.0 verified
Max depth (m)
732.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: China, French Polynesia, Japan, Hawaii sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Centrophorus

More from the family Centrophoridae

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