Gummy shark
📖 Overview
An inshore and offshore shark found from intertidal waters to a depth of 350 m. Feeds on crustaceans, marine worms and small fishes , also cephalopods. Forms schools by sex and size . Ovoviviparous . Newborn and juvenile gummy sharks are found in many areas across southern Australia, but no well-defined nursery areas have been identified. These sharks are capable of long migrations, females traveling longer distances than males . Utilized fresh for human consumption . Maximum length data for female species is taken from Ref. 6390.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Gummy shark is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Gummy shark is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Ovoviviparous but aplacental, with 1 to 38 pups. Embryos feed solely on yolk . Gestation period ranges from 11-12 months. Newborn and juvenile gummy sharks aggregate in many areas across southern Australia but it is not known whether they inhabit defined shallow-water nursery areas. Ovulation takes place in Oct.-Dec. or Nov.- Feb. (WA). Parturition is complete by the following Dec. . The sharks are born at 30-35 cm .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; oceanodromous ; depth range 0 - 403 m , usually ? - 80 m . Temperate; 28°S - 44°S west and Bowen (20°S) (possibly Coffs Harbor) in the east.
🌿 Ecology
crustaceans, marine worms and small fishes (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 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.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Gummy shark is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 21.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 252 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Gummy shark has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Australian Smooth Hound · Flake · Smooth Dog-shark · Sweet William · White-spotted Gummy Shark · gummy shark |
| 🌍CES | hladkoun antarktický |
| 🇩🇪German | Australischer Glatthai |
| 🇫🇮Finnish | purukoirahai |
| 🇮🇹Italian | Palombo australiano |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | ハグキホシザメ |
| 🇳🇱Dutch | Australische toonhaai |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Cação-antárctico |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Австралийская кунья акула |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Musola austral |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 8 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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