Western Gulper Shark

About the Western Gulper Shark

The Centrophorus westraliensis, or Western Gulper Shark, is a lesser-known species found in the demersal waters of southwestern Australia,  from Shark Bay to Cape Leeuwin. They inhabit the continental slopes of their limited range in depths of 616 to 750 metres.

This small-moderately sized shark is born at an average of 30 cm in total length. Adults are commonly at least 92 cm long.

The Western Gulper Shark is not in an area where there is significant fishing efforts being taken place and is not known to be taken commercially. However, along with other gulper sharks, this specific species is highly vulnerable due to its limited range and has a low rate of population increase. Furthermore, The Southwest Commonwealth Marine Reserve network will only provide limited protection across their range.

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Scientific Name Centrophorus westraliensis
OrderDog and Angelfish Sharks - Squaliformes
GenusCentrophorus
CitesNot Listed
IUCNData Deficient
ReproductionOvoviviparous
SizeSmall
Litter Size 1-2
Common Length 92 cm
Max LenghtNA
Depth Range 616 - 750 m
DistributionEastern Indian Ocean
EnvironmentBathydemersal