How big is the Tope shark?

Tope shark (Galeorhinus galeus) reaches 150–195 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Tope shark?

Tope shark is found between 0–800 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Tope shark?

IUCN status: Critically endangered (CR).

Where can you find the Tope shark?

Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Tope shark (Galeorhinus galeus)

Key facts

Scientific name: Galeorhinus galeus
Common name: Tope shark
Category: Fish
Family: Triakidae
Genus: Galeorhinus
Size: 150–195 cm
Depth: 0–800 m
IUCN status: Critically endangered (CR)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: open-water, sand
Behaviours: schooling, migratory
Ocean zones: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean

Description

Galeorhinus galeus reaches 1.95 m. Slender shark with a blue-grey copper-tinted body, long pointed snout. Cosmopolitan temperate distribution (NE and SE Atlantic, Pacific, Australia). Catastrophic population collapse from overfishing for fins and meat (tope, salted in southern Europe). IUCN Critically Endangered. Aplacental viviparous with a long cycle, very slow recovery. Insufficient international management. Once common, now rare.

Photo of Tope shark

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Tope shark?: Tope shark (Galeorhinus galeus) reaches 150–195 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Tope shark?: Tope shark is found between 0–800 m deep.
Is the Tope shark dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Tope shark?: IUCN status: Critically endangered (CR).
Where can you find the Tope shark?: Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Other species in the family Triakidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 105820)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2418259)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia