Borneo Shark

About the Borneo Shark

Borneo sharks are a rare specimen and only five have been known to be confirmed. They are small inshore coastal sharks and are estimated to be around 70 cm.

Borneo Sharks can be found in the Western Pacific from Borneo to China.  

Biology and Behaviour

Borneo Sharks are grey with a white underside. They have a slender body and tail and have a long pointed snout. They have a low second dorsal fin placed posterior to the anal fin. Their pectoral fins are sharp and the pelvic fins are small and triangular. They have five pairs of short gill slits.

In each corner of its mouth is a row of enlarged hyomandibular pores, (a line of enlarged pores extending posteriorly from the mouth corners).

They have relatively large round eyes that have a nictitating membrane (a translucent third eyelid) to help protect its eyes from dust and to keep it moist.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Female Borneo sharks are viviparous and have litters of six pups. 

Conservation and Tourism

Borneo Sharks were found in areas that have been and are being heavily exploited by artisanal and commercial fisheries. These fisheries have affected the population of this species as they haven’t been recorded in 1937.

The IUCN lists Borneo Sharks as endangered. There are currently no conservation measures put in place for Borneo Sharks.

Do you have images or videos of Borneo Sharks?
Submit them to [email protected].

Borneo Shark Gallery


Scientific NameStegostoma fasciatum
OrderGround Sharks - Carcharhiniformes
GenusCarcharhinus
CitesNot Listed
IUCNEndangered
ReproductionViviparous
SizeSmall
Litter Size6
Common Length70 cm
Max LenghtNA
DistributionWestern Central Pacific
EnvironmentDemersal