Animal Species:Bluntnose Sixgill Shark, Hexanchus griseus (Bonnaterre, 1788)
The Bluntnose Sixgill Shark is a heavy-bodied species that occcurs in tropical and temperate waters worldwide from the surface to about 2500 m.
Standard Common Name
Bluntnose Sixgill Shark
Bull Shark, Cow Shark, Grey Shark, Mud Shark, Sixgill Shark
The species has a single dorsal fin, 6 pairs of gill slits and a blunt, rounded snout.
In Australia it is known from all states except the Northern Territory.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
Distribution by collection data
- Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
- Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 2009. Sharks and Rays of Australia. Edition 2. CSIRO. Pp. 644, Pl. 1-91.
Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology