Animal Species:Bluntnose Sixgill Shark, Hexanchus griseus (Bonnaterre, 1788)

The Bluntnose Sixgill Shark is a heavy-bodied species that occcurs in tropical and temperate waters worldwide from the surface to about 2500 m.

Alternative Name/s

Bull Shark, Cow Shark, Grey Shark, Mud Shark, Sixgill Shark

Identification

The species has a single dorsal fin, 6 pairs of gill slits and a blunt, rounded snout.

Size range

4.8 m

Distribution

In Australia it is known from all states except the Northern Territory.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information.  Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Hexanchus griseus

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Bluntnose Sixgill Shark specimens in the Australian Museums.

What does this mean?

Classification

Species:
Hexanchus
Genus:
griseus
Family:
Hexanchidae
Order:
Hexanchiformes
Class:
Chondrichthyes
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  2. Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 2009. Sharks and Rays of Australia. Edition 2. CSIRO. Pp. 644, Pl. 1-91.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags fishes, ichthyology, Bluntnose Sixgill Shark, Hexanchus griseus, Hexanchidae,