Sharpnose sevengill shark  (Heptranchias perlo)

Description

The large, florescent green eyes of this slender shark may be its most noticeable feature as it moves silently though the ocean depths. As its name describes, this shark has a narrow, pointed head, a long, narrow mouth and seven gill slits down each side; most sharks have only five (2). The slim body is brownish-grey to olive on the upper surface, and paler on the underside, and it has only one small dorsal fin (2), the fin situated on the shark’s back that helps prevent it from rolling in the water (3). Juvenile sharpnose sevengill sharks differ a little in appearance from adults, having dark blotches on the lower sides, and dark tips to the dorsal and tail fins (2).

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