Little sleeper shark (Somniosus rostratus)

Scientific name: Somniosus rostratus Risso, 1827

Little sleeper shark (Somniosus rostratus)

The Little sleeper shark (Somniosus rostratus) is a marine fish of the family Somniosidae. Native range: Northeast Atlantic, Madeira, France, and western Mediterranean.

Biology

A rare species found on outer continental shelves and upper slopes. Probably feeds on deepwater bottom fishes and invertebrates. Ovoviviparous, length at birth 21-28 cm TL. Utilized as fishmeal and possibly as food fish.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Somniosus rostratus
Family
Somniosidae (Sleeper sharks)
Order
Squaliformes (Bramble, Sleeper and Dogfish sharks)
Class
Elasmobranchii (Sharks and Rays)
Maximum length
143
Common length
100.0
Depth range
200–1000 m (656–3281 ft)
Environment
Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 200 - 1000 m
Climate
Deep-water
Distribution
Northeast Atlantic: Madeira, France, and western Mediterranean.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Data deficient (DD)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Fec assumed to be

Sources

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

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