Grinning Izak

About the Grinning Izak

The grinning izak is a rare species of ground shark found in the Western Indian Ocean, around Kenya. Only four specimens have ever been recovered.

Like all members of the catshark shark family, they’re bottom feeders, have elongated cat-like eyes, and two small dorsal fins set far back. They’re mostly nocturnal. They often sleep in groups during the day, and do their hunting at night. They live in deep water at depths of up to 250 m.

They’re presumed to be oviparous but very little is known about their biology.

There is not enough confirmation to assess their population health. Their conservation status is “Data Deficient.” But they’re suspected to be a vulnerable species.

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