Fin's Fish Guide
The Porbeagle (Lamna nasus) is a saltwater fish of the family Lamnidae that grows up to 350 cm.
North Atlantic and cool waters of the southern hemisphere; oceanic and near the coast.
Description
The porbeagle is a stout, powerful mackerel shark of the family Lamnidae reaching about 3.5 metres. The torpedo-shaped body is blue-grey above and white below, with a pointed snout, large black eyes and a crescent tail with a keeled tail base; a conspicuous white patch sits at the rear of the first dorsal fin. Like related mackerel sharks it is partly warm-blooded, so it stays fast and active even in cold water. The species lives in the cool North Atlantic and the southern hemisphere and hunts schooling fish such as mackerel and herring, and squid. It grows slowly and bears few young; through heavy fishing it is assessed as Vulnerable (VU), and in the north-eastern Atlantic even Critically Endangered.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Porbeagle?
The Porbeagle has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Stocky, powerful mackerel shark with a pointed snout, a white blotch at the rear of the first dorsal fin and a keeled tail base; partly warm-blooded.
Where does the Porbeagle live?
The Porbeagle lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. North Atlantic and cool waters of the southern hemisphere; oceanic and near the coast.
How big does the Porbeagle get?
The Porbeagle grows to a maximum of about 350 cm. On average the species is around 244 cm.
Is the Porbeagle dangerous to humans?
The Porbeagle can cause injury; handle it with care. A large, powerful shark; usually not aggressive toward people, but large individuals can give a serious bite when handled or cornered. Keep your distance and, in case of a bite, seek medical help immediately and stop the bleeding.
Is the Porbeagle edible?
The Porbeagle is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Porbeagle 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 Lamna
More from the family Lamnidae
Want the complete picture on the Porbeagle?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Porbeagle is one of 12,519 species in the app.