|
|
A large, heavy-bodied shark of fusiform shape, with crescentic tail and
conical snout.
First dorsal fin broadly triangular, with its origin
above or slightly posterior to the axil ('armpits') of the pectoral
fins.
Second dorsal fin is very small, lying slightly ahead of the
equally-small anal fin; there are strong caudal keels.
Vertebral count
is between 172-187.
Teeth are essentially broad and triangular, with
notably serrate margins, distinguishing this species from the other
lamnids (which all have smooth-edged teeth); tooth count 23-28 in upper jaw, 21-25 in lower.
Newborns have narrower teeth, with basal cusps on
the lower jaw teeth.
Colour typically slate-grey or olive-brown above,
often with a bronzy sheen on the flanks; a strong, variable and blotchy
line of demarcation separates the dark upper and white lower surfaces;
underside of pectoral fins tipped with black; a black, oval blotch often
present in the axil of the pectorals although this is sometimes absent
on Mediterranean specimens.
[an error occurred while processing this directive] |