Atlantic Bigeye Sixgill Shark
Hexanchus vitulus
- Group: Shark
- Typical depth: 0–700 m
- Max size: 2.3 m
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: LC
Unlike most sharks it carries six gill slits instead of five, a feature shared with its ancient lineage. This bigeye sixgill prowls continental and island slopes, hunting bony fish, squid and crustaceans, and bears large litters of live young around forty centimetres long. Larger and smaller animals seem to favour different depths.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Elasmobranchii › Hexanchiformes › Hexanchidae › Hexanchus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 217627.
FAQ
- How deep does the Atlantic Bigeye Sixgill Shark live?
- The Atlantic Bigeye Sixgill Shark (Hexanchus vitulus) is typically found at 0–700 m.
- Is the Atlantic Bigeye Sixgill Shark dangerous to divers?
- The Atlantic Bigeye Sixgill Shark is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Atlantic Bigeye Sixgill Shark get?
- The Atlantic Bigeye Sixgill Shark grows to about 2.3 m.