Galeorhinus galeus

Distinguishing Characteristics:

  • Slender shark, with large mouth and long, narrow snout
  • Noticeable spiracle behind the eyes
  • Very wide terminal lobe on caudal fin
  • Second dorsal same size as anal fin and located right above it
  • Color bluish gray to dark gray above and white below

Habitat: Temperate waters of the continental shelf, from close inshore to offshore waters as deep as 1,500 feet

Size: To about 6.5 feet

Note: Some soupfin sharks have lived to be 60 years old.


A soupfin shark caught on film swimming in the waters off Catalina Island, California. (Source: Diving Catalina)