Bigeye Houndshark

About the Bigeye Houndshark

The Bigeye houndshark is a deep-water shark that lives and feeds on or near the bottom of the water, occupying the seafloor, usually consisting of mud, sand, and rocks. They are also found on the continental shelf and slope as well as along the continental rise which has a consistent water temperature of 16 to 25°C. This species of shark is native to the Western and Eastern Indian Ocean. The Bigeye houndshark is found in areas like the Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, southwest India and in the Bay of Bengal.

Biology and Behaviour:

The Bigeye houndshark has a long body with larger eyes than other houndsharks. Males are much smaller than females. Females reach maturity about 40cm in total length while males at a range of 31 to 32cm. Their maximum length is about 58cm. Found at a depth range of 100 to 2200 m, the bigeye houndshark feeds on bony fishes and others bottom creatures like octopus and squid. This species of shark segregates by sex having adult females occur in shallower waters than males.

Reproduction:

Bigeye houndsharks are produced by the parent giving birth to a live young that has developed inside the body. They give birth to 2 to 10 pups per litter at two-year intervals. The gestation period is about 10 to 12 months depending on location and water type. The size of the young at birth is about 16cm in length.

Conservation:

There is no evidence to suggest this species is in decline. IUCN lists that no conservation matters are in place for this species.

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Bigeye Houndshark Gallery