CatchRules

Home · Species · Broadnose Sevengill Shark

Photo of a Broadnose Sevengill Shark

Species profile

Broadnose Sevengill Shark

Notorynchus cepedianus

InvertebratesIUCN: Vulnerable428 iNat observations

Identify Broadnose Sevengill Shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app. Plus current fishing rules across 3 jurisdictions.

At a glance

Broadnose Sevengill Shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) is an IUCN Vulnerable invertebrate regulated in 5 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.

Confirmed by 99 research-grade iNaturalist observations across the species' range.

Notable details

  • Has 7 gill slits on each side — most modern sharks have only 5.
  • Represents an ancient shark lineage that predates most modern shark families.
  • Can reach nearly 10 feet in length and weigh over 200 pounds.
  • Has been observed hunting cooperatively in groups to take down large prey.
  • Frequents bays, estuaries, and shallow coastal waters in temperate regions worldwide.

Background

The broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) is the only extant member of the genus Notorynchus, in the family Hexanchidae. It is recognizable because of its seven gill slits, while most shark species have five gill slits, with the exception of the members of the order Hexanchiformes and the sixgill sawshark. This shark has a large, thick body, with a broad head and blunt snout. The top…

Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Broadnose Sevengill Shark article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.

Frequently asked questions

What is Broadnose Sevengill Shark?

Broadnose Sevengill Shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) is an IUCN Vulnerable invertebrate regulated in 5 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.

What is the scientific name for Broadnose Sevengill Shark?

Broadnose Sevengill Shark is Notorynchus cepedianus.

Is Broadnose Sevengill Shark regulated for fishing?

Yes — Broadnose Sevengill Shark has fishing regulations in 3 U.S. states and/or Canadian provinces tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.

How can I identify Broadnose Sevengill Shark?

Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Broadnose Sevengill Shark along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.

Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.