Description: This is a distinctive shark with a deep-set body that reaches up to 3.5 m. It is mostly grey with a white stomach. The first dorsal fin is large and conspicuous with a characteristic white patch at the rear free tip. The second dorsal fin is very small. The tail is a distinctive crescent shape.

Habitat: Juveniles may come closer inshore but adults prefer deeper water offshore, especially offshore banks. Found from the surface down to around 700 m.

Distribution: Rarely seen underwater, most sightings are from fishing or bycatch. Scattered sightings around all coasts of Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: Unlikely to be confused with any other species.

Key Identification Features:

• Heavy, deep-bodied shark.
• Prominent first dorsal fin with white patch at rear tip.
• Crescent-shaped tail.

Distribution Map from NBN: Lamna nasus at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Lamna nasus at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Lamna nasus

WoRMS: Lamna nasus at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Lamna nasus (Bonnaterre, 1788). AphiaID: 105841.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Chordata; Vertebrata; Gnathostomata; Chondrichthyes; Elasmobranchii; Neoselachii; Selachii; Galeomorphi; Lamniformes; Lamnidae; Lamna