Pacific Sleeper Shark

Pacific Sleeper Shark

Somniosus pacificus

Distinguishing Characteristics:

  • Very stout, with a blunt nose
  • Two small, spineless dorsal fins of nearly the same size
  • Color blackish brown to slate gray

Habitat: Deepwater, bottom-dwelling to depths of about 6,560 feet; may also swim in extremely shallow water

Size: Up to 14.4 feet

Note: The flesh of the Pacific sleeper shark is slightly toxic to humans and when eaten, causes symptoms of drunkenness.

A pacific sleeper shark swims along the deep ocean floor. It has a cylindrical body with small fins and short snout.

A Pacific sleeper shark feeds on the carcass of a whale on the ocean floor. (Source: BBC Earth)

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