Sicklefin houndshark

10/27/2017

The sicklefin houndshark (Hemitriakis falcate) is a slender, dusky coloured shark who can reach at least 80 cm in length. Sexes mature at 65-70 cm, and pups are born at 20-25 cm in length.

Source: CSIRO National Fish Collection.

These sharks have distinct white tips on both dorsal fins (which are similarly sized), and thin white tips on their pectoral, pelvic, and caudal (tail) fins. Like many sharks, they have a creamy underbelly. These sharks have large eyes and a blunt snout. #Finfact: The sicklefin houndshark lacks anal fins!

It is currently known only on the continental shelf of western Australia (from Exmouth Gulf to Broome in western Australia at depths of 110 - 200 metres (m) deep. Not much else is known about them. The IUCN has assessed these animals as Near Threatened (NT).

Interested in learning more? So are we!

glossary

Anal fin: fins behind the anus; used for stability while swimming.
Continental shelf: Extends from a continent underwater, resulting in a shallow-water area.
Continental slope: The steep slope from a continental shelf to the ocean floor; usually around 20 km (12.4 miles) wide and made up of mud and silt substrate. It is an ideal area for deep sea fishing.

Dorsal fin: Fin located on the back.
IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Pectoral fins: Fins located behind the gills on either side.
Pelvic fins: Fins located on the underside of a fish’s body, attached to their pelvic girdle.
Pup: Give birth to baby sharks (pups).
Pups: Baby sharks.