Page 31 - World of Animals - Book of Sharks & Ocean Predators

Endangered sharks
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Gulper shark

This rare deep water dogfish is found only

off the coasts of Australia and New Zealand

Known as the dumb gulper or of up to 790 metres (2,592 feet), their low reproductive rate; as soon
Harrison’s dogfish, this shark grows where it feeds on small fi sh. For as this was accompanied by heavy

to just over a metre (3.3 feet) in such a small shark its lifespan is trawl fishing and drop-lining, the

length and has a large mouth, a impressive; closely monitored adults numbers began to plummet,

long, flattened snout and huge, are known to have lived for at least leaving the species
distinctive green eyes. It is known 46 years. The population of dumb in serious peril
to live near the seabed, at depths gulpers is suffering, partly due to today.
Zebra shark

These zebras can change their stripes; once
they reach adulthood they switch to spots

Confusion over what to call the zebra shark is unsurprising,
considering it has the characteristic stripes of its four-legged,
African namesake during its youth before the spots most
famously sported by leopards develop on their skin. The zebra
shark has two more distinguishing features, its huge tail that is
nearly the same length as its body, and the prominent ridges
that run along the entirety of the shark. They feed mainly on

molluscs and crustaceans; their flexible body allows them
to squeeze into the narrow crevices where these creatures
are often lurking. Unfortunately, zebra sharks are frequently
hunted, both for sport and commercially for their fi ns, fl esh
and liver oil. The degradation of coral reefs is also bad news
for this species, as this forms much of their natural habitat.
“Their fl exible body allows
them to squeeze into the

narrow crevices where these
creatures are often lurking”

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