In the oceans we find large predators such as the eel shark (Chlamydoselachus anguineus), which is one of the two species extant members of the family Chlamydoselachidae. Although it is widely distributed in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, its presence in these areas is very irregular.
It is considered a living fossil due to its primitive features that have not changed over time. It is a species that is not easily seen and its main characteristic feature is its similarity to an eel, which has given it its common name. To learn more about this cartilaginous fish, keep reading this file that we present to you on our site.
Shark Eel Characteristics
These sharks have been living on Earth for about 80 million years with no obvious changes in their anatomy, which is why they are considered fossils living. However, these anatomical characteristics are beneficial for this species, which has allowed it to live for this long time in the oceans.
One of its main features is the presence of a large number of teeth, possessing up to 300 dental structures, quite sharp and lethal to their prey. The teeth are located in their strong jointed jaws, giving them the ability to devour large animals.
Su long body has dorsal, pelvic and anal fins, the latter larger than the dorsal; in addition, it also has other fins in the form of fringes in the 6 pairs of slits or gill openings. Its color is dark brown, it can measure up to 3 meters in length and has an appearance similar to an eel.
Eel Shark Habitat
The eel shark is a demersal or benthopelagic species, so it inhabits the ocean depths, although in some cases it has also been reported as pelagic, that is, in shallower areas, probably for the search of prey.
The temperatures of its habitat are variable, from cold waters such as the arctic of Norway or the British Isles, to warmer waters such as Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana. Although there are no precise data on its population trend, one of the most common is in Japan, where it has been seen particularly at shallower depths.
Because deep-sea fishing, has spread considerably in several of the countriesthat correspond to the range of distribution of this species, the concern in the scientific community about the affectation of the habitat in this sense is increasing.
Eel Shark Customs
The eel shark is a species that is not very common to observe, so there are few records of its behavior Although it may be present at depths of 20 to 1,500 meters, they commonly prefer to be between 500 to 1,000 meters deep When they go up to shallower areas, they do so at night.
This species of shark is not dangerous to people, although it can cause serious injuries to the hands of scientists when manipulate them for study. They are solitary, slow-moving animals whose life expectancy is approximately 25 years. However, as it has not been held in captivity for research purposes, this information remains to be corroborated.
Eel shark feeding
Eel sharks are ferocious hunters It is very difficult for a prey to escape when it is caught, since they pounce nimbly on it, bending their bodies like a snake before capturing the victim. In many cases, they swallow the whole prey, and when this is not possible, they hold it with their large number of sharp teeth, from which it is impossible to let go.
They tend to camouflage quite well thanks to their color and they hunt at night. They are carnivorous animals with a varied diet, being able to consume:
- Fishes.
- Octopuses.
- Squid.
- Other sharks.
Shark Eel Reproduction
The eel shark is a viviparous species and it is estimated that the gestation period lasts between 1 to 2 years They can produce from 2 to 15 offspring for each gestation process, and these can be up to 60 cm long. Fertilization is internal, so both individuals must unite so that the male can introduce the sperm and they reach the female's oviducts. The process occurs through a maneuver of their bodies, in which the male holds the female.
The shark eel is probably matrotrophic, meaning the embryos would hatch from the egg inside the mother and stay there for a while. long period of time, feeding on the yolk of its own egg. This species is not known to have fixed times for its reproduction.
Eel Shark Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has identified the eel shark in the category of least concern However, reports indicate that although it is not a species that is particularly persecuted, fishing with trawl nets in deep waters has been increasing, so the incidental capture of this shark may also be growing. In fact, accidents of this type have been evidenced and the captured individuals are finally used to produce fishmeal.
In some countries where the eel shark lives, there are certain restrictions on fishing by trawling at depth, which reduces the chance of being caught accidentally. In Japan, this animal can be seen in food markets and in aquariums, despite being a species that should not be kept in captivity
Until now the eel shark has benefited from not being in danger of extinction, however, given its sporadic presence it is difficult to establish its population levels with precision. Currently, in the European Union there are measures that establish a zero catch limit for all shark species, measure that benefits the shark eel. In parts of southern and eastern Australia, fishing areas below 700 meters of depth are closed, an aspect that favors many species, including the shark in question.
Constant monitoring of the levels of fishing in the oceans at a global level is essential, since this is one of the causes that considerably affects the populations of marine animals.
