Salmon shark
📖 Overview
A coastal-littoral and epipelagic shark that prefers boreal to cool temperate waters, from the surface to at least 152 m, and is common in continental offshore waters but range inshore to just off beaches. Occurs singly or in schools or feeding aggregations of several individuals; feeds on fishes . Seasonally migratory (following food prey) and segregate by age and sex where adults move further north than young . Ovoviviparous, embryos feeding on yolk sac and other ova produced by the mother . With up to 4 young in a litter . Fast swimmer . Potentially dangerous but has never or seldom been implicated in human attacks . Causes considerable damage to commercial catches and gear . Utilized fresh, dried or salted, and frozen; fins, hides and livers are also used, with fins having particular value; can be broiled and baked . Reported to attain at least 27 years of age and reach maximum depth of at least 792 m (in Ref. 119696).
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0. First dorsal fin uniformly dark, no light rear tip; ventral surface of body white with dusky blotches .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Salmon shark is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Exhibit ovoviparity (aplacental viviparity), with embryos feeding on other ova produced by the mother (oophagy) after the yolk sac is absorbed . Litter size is up to 4 young . Distinct pairing with embrace .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; pelagic-oceanic; oceanodromous ; depth range 0 - 650 m , usually 0 - 152 m . Boreal; 66°N - 22°N, 120°E - 115°W North Pacific: Japan, Korea, and the Sea of Okhotsk to the Bering Sea and southward to southern California, USA (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
fishes (Ref
📐 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
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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