Distribution:

Western Atlantic: southern Brazil to Argentina. Eastern Atlantic: Iceland to South Africa, including the Mediterranean. Western Indian Ocean: South Africa. Southwest Pacific: Australia and New Zealand. Central Pacific: Hawaii. Eastern Pacific: British Columbia, Canada to southern Baja California and the Gulf of California in Mexico; Peru and Chile.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0. A large houndshark with a long, pointed snout, a large mouth, and small blade-like teeth; 2nd dorsal about as large as anal fin and terminal caudal lobe as long as rest of fin. Greyish above, white below; young with black markings on fins.

Biology:

Mainly demersal on continental and insular shelves, but also on the upper slopes, at depths from near shore to 550 m. Has been shown to be pelagic in the open ocean (frequently caught on floasting tuna longlines over deep water, and many New Zealand-tagged specimens have been recaptured in Australia). Occurs in small schools that are highly migratory in higher latitudes in their range. There is pronounced partial segregation by size and sex in some areas. Feeds on fishes (bottom as well as pelagic species, crustaceans, cephalopods, worms, and echinoderms. Its meat is excellent for human consumption, liver for squalene oil, fins for soup; also utilized as fishmeal. Marketed fresh, dried-salted, and frozen. Adapts well in captivity if carefully captured and handled.

Max. size: 175.0 cm - 195.0 cm (female)

Max.weight: 34 Kg

Environment: benthopelagic; depth range 0 - 1100 m

Climate: subtropical; 68°N - 55°S

Canary Islands country information: Name: Cazón de altura, Cazón dientuso