Crocodile Shark Fact Sheet

Appearance:
Small and very unique looking shark. Very big eyes, no nictitating membrane. Long gill slits. Small pectoral fins, small dorsal fins. Weak keels on peduncle, precaudal pit present. Asymetrical caudal fin (not lunate-shaped).

Coloration:
Greyish-brown with white ventral surface. Sometimes seen with white dots. All fins have white margins.

Distribution:
Probably worldwide in tropical waters. Western Atlantic: Cuba to northern Brazil. Eastern Atlantic: Cape Verde Islands to South Africa. Western Indian Ocean: Mozambique. Western Pacific: Japan, Taiwan, Korea. Central Pacific: Marquesas, Hawaiian Islands. Eastern Pacific: Baja California, Costa Rica, Panama.

Biology:
A rare to locally abundant species. Prefers epipelagic and oceanic waters down to a depth of 300m. The firm musculature, the small precaudal fins and the large caudal fin suggest they may be active swimmers. Based on their big eyes, nocturnal activity is likely.
Feeding:
Unknown. Probably invertebrates and fishes.

Size:
Average size between 60cm and 80cm. Maximum total length about 110cm.

Reproduction:
Aplacental viviparous (ovoviviparous), with uterine cannibalism. Size at birth 40cm. Males reach sexual maturity at 75cm (minimum), females at 90cm (minimum).

Similar species:
Unmistakable.

Endangerment:
Unknown.

Danger to humans:
Harmless.