Family Hexanchidae - cow sharks

Members of this family are commonly referred to as cow sharks and are among the most primitive sharks. Two key external characteristics are a single dorsal fin placed above the pelvic fins and six or seven gill slits. Some cows sharks attain lengths greater than five meters but are harmless unless provoked.

Sevengill shark- Notorynchus cepedianus

Remarks: Heavily fished during the 1800's and into the 1900's. Normally found in the bay during the warmer months staying within the larger and deeper channels. Eats an assortment of fishes and may also eat dead or dying prey items. Although a larger shark, it is nonaggressive unless provoked.

Identification: The only shark having seven gill slits and one dorsal fin. It has a dark gray back and sides, some having dark spots, blending to a paler underside. Females of this species may reach 3m and over 148kg; males are slightly smaller reaching over 2m and 36kg.

Range: Found from British Columbia to the Gulf of California often in bays to deeper offshore areas in warmer regions.