Fin's Fish Guide
The Prickly shark (Echinorhinus cookei) is a saltwater fish of the family Echinorhinidae that grows up to 400 cm.
Description
The prickly shark is a large deep-sea shark from the Pacific, reported from Japan, Australia and New Zealand to Hawaii and the American west coast from California to Chile. It can grow to about 4 metres and has a heavy, stout body that is grey-brown with black fin margins and a white mouth region. The skin is set with numerous thorn-like denticles. The two dorsal fins are placed far back, behind the pelvic fins, and an anal fin is absent. As a near-bottom deep-sea dweller it hunts fish, other sharks, octopuses and squid. The species is ovoviviparous with large litters. Owing to insufficient data the IUCN lists the species as Data Deficient (DD).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Prickly shark?
The Prickly shark has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Skin covered in thorn-like denticles; two dorsal fins set far back, no anal fin
Where does the Prickly shark live?
The Prickly shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Pacific Ocean (deep sea)
How big does the Prickly shark get?
The Prickly shark grows to a maximum of about 400 cm.
Is the Prickly shark dangerous to humans?
No, the Prickly 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.
Is the Prickly shark edible?
The Prickly shark is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Echinorhinus
More from the family Echinorhinidae
Want the complete picture on the Prickly shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Prickly shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.