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Whitefin topeshark (Hemitriakis leucoperiptera) — Triakidae

Whitefin topeshark

Hemitriakis leucoperiptera
Family: Triakidae
EN · Endangered

The Whitefin topeshark (Hemitriakis leucoperiptera) is a saltwater fish of the family Triakidae that grows up to 95 cm.

Length
95 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–48.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Philippines
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The whitefin topeshark is a houndshark (Triakidae) from coastal waters of the Philippines in the western Pacific. The species grows to about 95 cm and has a slender, streamlined, grey-brown body with white fin margins, a pointed snout and large oval eyes. As a bottom-oriented predator it hunts small fish and crustaceans. Through bycatch and a limited range the species is endangered. This shark is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Whitefin topeshark?

The Whitefin topeshark has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Whitefin topeshark live?

The Whitefin topeshark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Philippines

How big does the Whitefin topeshark get?

The Whitefin topeshark grows to a maximum of about 95 cm.

Is the Whitefin topeshark dangerous to humans?

No, the Whitefin topeshark 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 Whitefin topeshark edible?

The Whitefin topeshark is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Whitefin topeshark sourced
Scientific name
Hemitriakis leucoperiptera
Family
Triakidae
Other names
Whitefin topeshark; Whitefin tope shark verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large
Max length (cm)
95 sourced
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
Max depth (m)
48.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Philippines 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

Edibility
Rarely eaten 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 Hemitriakis

More from the family Triakidae

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