Broadfin Shark

About the Broadfin Shark

The Broad-fin Shark is a very rare shark that was once known to be common in the Indian Ocean and West Pacific including off the coast of Pakistan, India, Burma, Indonesia, Sarawak, and China.

Biology and Reproduction

This rare species is observed in low numbers in heavily-fished areas, inshore on the continental shelf. They are born in litters of four to eight pups after an eight-month gestation (pregnancy) period. Each pup is 40-60 cm in length and can grow up to 168 cm. Females reach maturity at over 130 cm, while males mature at 114 cm in length.

Conservation and Tourism

The Broad-fin Shark is harmless to humans yet is taken in the bottom and floating gill nets and with line gear regularly by local fishermen. Its meat is used for human consumption, its fins dried for the shark fin trade and its liver used for vitamin oil. This species is also threatened by habitat removal and destruction, and because it is found inshore, pollution from river outflow is also a threat.

The IUCN Redlist for Endangered Species lists the Broad-fin Shark as endangered globally.

More research and education is needed for the Broad-fin Shark, while no conservation actions are in place for this endangered species at this time.

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

Broadfin Shark Gallery