School Shark

Galeorhinus galeus

Sea Life Native IUCN: Critically Endangered

About

Body slender, streamlined, with two widely-spaced dorsal fins, the first much larger than the second. Tail with a long, broad, distinctly-notched upper lobe. A long, pointed snout, a large mouth, and small blade-​like teeth. Uniformly slate grey to bronze above, paler below.

A key to identifying this species is the teeth the two dorsal fins and the tail

Size

Can grow to around 2m long

Habitat

In bays, along the coast and in offshore waters, to a depth of 500 m

Distribution

Southern Australia
References & citations (3)
  1. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
  2. Bray, D. and Gomon, M. (2017) Galeorhinus galeus School Shark in Museums Victoria Collections (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
  3. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020 (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)

Header image: (CC BY-NC 4.0) © alexburton

Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.