Don't get confused with our next Shark Profile- we promise it's the fish and not the reptile! Dive in below to learn more about the lesser known Crocodile Shark.
FAMILY: Pseudocarchariidae
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Pseudocarcharias kamoharai
COMMON NAME: Crocodile Shark
Their scientific name is in honor of Japanese ichthyologist Toshiji Kamohara (1901-1972).
TYPE: Fish
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (assessed 2018)
SIZE:
Crocodile sharks are medium-sized spindle-shaped sharks with very large eyes. They reach a maximum size of less than 4ft, most specimens have been about 3ft (1m) and weigh around 13lbs (6kg).
AVERAGE LIFE SPAN:
There is still much to learn about this shark and others! More data is needed to determine average life span as this is a less encountered shark species.
It's estimated males mature at about 2.4 ft (74 cm) in length, and females mature around 2.9 to 3.6 ft (90 to-110 cm). Female age at maturity is 5.1 years and maximum age is 13 yrs.
These sharks are Ovoviviparous and give birth to 2-4 pups per litter. Pups are about 16 in (40 cm) long at birth.
DISTRIBUTION:
The Crocodile Shark is circumglobal in oceanic waters of the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. It is thought to display vertical migrations, occurring in deeper waters during the day, and moving towards the surface at night in search of prey.
Found in oceanic waters, usually found far from land near the bottom at depths around 1,940 ft (590 m).
DIET:
There's not much data available but researchers think Crocodile sharks are strong and active swimmers within their range. Based on studied stomach contents these sharks (at least) prey on bristlemouths (Gonostomatidae), lanternfishes (Myctophidae), squid, and shrimp.
CONSERVATION:
Primarily caught incidentally by Japanese pelagic longline fisheries, then apparently discarded due to its small size and meat which is deemed unsuitable for the Japanese market.
The Crocodile Shark is a regular bycatch in pelagic swordfish and tuna longline fisheries, both commercial large-scale and artisanal.
They are considered a shark species of little commercial value and are usually discarded; some small quantities may be retained for fins, meat, and liver oil.
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