Bluntnose Sixgill Shark, Hexanchus griseus (Bonnaterre, 1788)

Scientific name: griseus Hexanchus
Alternative name/s:
Bull Shark, Cow Shark, Grey Shark, Mud Shark, Sixgill Shark
  • Author(s)
    Mark McGrouther
  • Updated
    27/01/21
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Hexanchus griseus I.46029-001 Click to enlarge image
Bluntnose Sixgill Shark, Hexanchus griseus Image: Ken Graham
© Ken Graham

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    griseus
    Species
    Hexanchus
    Family
    Hexanchidae
    Order
    Hexanchiformes
    Class
    Chondrichthyes
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    4.8 m

Introduction

The Bluntnose Sixgill Shark is a heavy-bodied species that occcurs in tropical and temperate waters worldwide from the surface to about 2500 m.

Identification

The species has a single dorsal fin, 6 pairs of gill slits and a blunt, rounded snout.

Distribution

In Australia it is known from all states except the Northern Territory.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

References

  1. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  2. Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 2009. Sharks and Rays of Australia. Edition 2. CSIRO. Pp. 644, Pl. 1-91.