Flapnose Houndshark

About the Flapnose Houndshark

Flapnose Houndsharks are a small species of ground shark. They’re grey with a white underside. They are uncommon, and there have only been 30 recorded specimens, thus, there is little known about them.

Flapnose houndsharks can be found in the waters off the coast of South Africa in the Western Indian Ocean.

Biology and Behaviour

Flapnose houndsharks have a blunt nose with large fused nasal flaps. They have small pebble like teeth and their first and second dorsal fin are the same size.

The maximum length of a flapnose houndshark for a male is 89 cm, while females reach to 102 cm.

They feed primarily on crustaceans such as crabs, shrimps, lobsters and some molluscs like squid.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Flapnose houndsharks are viviparous and have low fecundity having just two to four pups in a litter. After gestating for nine to ten months, females give birth to pups that are about 34 cm long.

Newborn flapnose houndsharks have white coloured edges on their dorsal, anal and caudal fin.

Conservation and Tourism

Flapnose houndsharks are endemic to South Africa giving them a small habitat range which leaves them vulnerable to intense fishing pressure and potential habitat loss.  

The IUCN lists flapnose houndsharks as vulnerable, and there are no conservation actions in place.

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Flapnose Houndshark Gallery