Pigeye shark
📖 Overview
An inshore species of the continental and insular shelves, commonly inhabiting shallow waters close inshore, near the surf line and along beaches . It also occasionally enters brackish water , and may be found in shallow bays and estuaries, as well as off the open coast but not ascending rivers . Predominantly demersal but found throughout the water column . Feeds on pelagic and demersal bony fishes, sharks and rays, squid, shrimps, cuttlefish, octopi, lobsters, gastropods and mammalian carrion . Viviparous . Potentially dangerous but not recorded in shark attacks to date . Utilized fresh and dried-salted for human consumption .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0. A massive shark with a thick-set head, a short, broad and blunt snout, small eyes and large, triangular, saw-edged upper teeth; 1st dorsal fin high and erect, at leas 3.2 times height of 2nd dorsal fin; no interdorsal ridge . Grayish in color, white below; fins with dusky tips .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Pigeye shark is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Viviparous, placental , with 3 to 13 in a litter . Size at birth about 43 to 53 cm TL ; 60-70 cm TL. Distinct pairing with embrace .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 150 m . Tropical; 26°N - 26°S West Pacific: Persian Gulf (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
pelagic and demersal bony fishes, sharks and rays, squid, shrimps, cuttlefish, octopi, lobsters, gas
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- immediate intense pain
- swelling
- erythema
- occasional nausea and weakness
Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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