Crocodile shark (Pseudocarcharias kamoharai)

Scientific name: Pseudocarcharias kamoharai Matsubara, 1936

Crocodile shark (Pseudocarcharias kamoharai)

The Crocodile shark (Pseudocarcharias kamoharai) is a marine fish of the family Pseudocarchariidae. Native range: Tropical and subtropical waters of all oceans.

Biology

An oceanic species usually found offshore and far from land but sometimes occurring inshore. Epi- and mesopelagic, with occasional near-bottom occurrences. Although considered not dangerous to people, its powerful jaws, jaw muscles and teeth invite respect. Flesh not appreciated and therefore the catch is usually discarded; utilized for its large, squalene-rich liver. Feeds on small pelagic bony fishes, squids and shrimps. Ovoviviparous, embryos feeding on yolk sac and other ova produced by the mother. With 4 young in a litter, born at 40 to 43 cm TL. Maximum length for female given in Romanove et.al 1994. Common bycatch of tuna longline fisheries, and occasionally tuna gillnet fisheries.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Pseudocarcharias kamoharai
Family
Pseudocarchariidae (Crocodile sharks)
Order
Lamniformes (Mackerel sharks)
Class
Elasmobranchii (Sharks and Rays)
Maximum length
110
Common length
100.0
Depth range
0–590 m (0–1936 ft)
Environment
Marine; pelagic-oceanic; oceanodromous; depth range 0 - 590 m, usually 0 - 200 m
Climate
Subtropical
Distribution
Tropical and subtropical waters of all oceans.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Near Threatened (NT)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial
Resilience
Very Low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years (Fec=4)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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