Smallfin gulper shark facts for kids
The smallfin gulper shark (Centrophorus moluccensis) is a medium-sized shark that lives deep in the ocean. It belongs to a group of sharks called dogfish, which are part of the Centrophoridae family. These sharks are often found near the ocean floor.
Quick facts for kids Smallfin gulper shark |
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| Genus: |
Centrophorus
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| Species: |
moluccensis
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| Range of smallfin gulper shark (in blue) | |
Contents
What Does the Smallfin Gulper Shark Look Like?
The smallfin gulper shark has a unique body shape. It does not have an anal fin, which is a fin found on the underside of many fish. However, it has two dorsal fins, which are on its back, and each of these fins has a spine. Its pectoral fins, located on its sides, have long tips that extend far back. The shark's tail fin, called the caudal fin, has a deep notch in it. This shark can grow to be about 98 centimeters (around 38 inches) long.
Where Do Smallfin Gulper Sharks Live?
Smallfin gulper sharks are found in different parts of the world's oceans. They live in the western part of the Indian Ocean, near countries like South Africa and Mozambique. They are also found in the western Pacific Ocean, including areas off Honshū, Japan, Indonesia, New Hebrides, New Caledonia, and southern Australia. These sharks prefer deep waters.
Life in the Deep Sea: Habits and Habitat
Smallfin gulper sharks are quite common in the deep ocean. They like to live close to the ocean floor, in depths ranging from about 130 meters (426 feet) to 820 meters (2,690 feet). This means they live in a dark and cold environment.
How Smallfin Gulper Sharks Reproduce
These sharks reproduce in a special way called ovoviviparous. This means that the mother shark carries her eggs inside her body until they hatch. The pups then develop inside her, getting nourishment from the egg yolk. When they are ready, the mother gives birth to live young. Smallfin gulper sharks usually have two pups at a time.
What Do Smallfin Gulper Sharks Eat?
The diet of the smallfin gulper shark mainly consists of other fish that live in the deep sea. However, they are not picky eaters and will also hunt and eat other small sharks. Their diet also includes various sea creatures like molluscs (such as squid or octopuses), crustaceans (like crabs and shrimp), and even tunicates, which are simple marine animals.
See also
In Spanish: Quelvacho de aleta corta para niños
