Description: A slim, streamlined shark that is usually around 1 m in length, although can reach 2 m. It has two unequal dorsal fins, the first being much larger than the second, and an anal fin. They are a uniform grey to grey-brown with a lighter underbelly. Sometimes found in small groups. The snout is pointed and the eyes are large and oval-shaped.

Habitat: Demersal species, recorded down to 550 m, but generally found in depths of 50 m or less.

Distribution: Records from all coasts of Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: Should be readily distinguished from other local species, but at a distance could potentially be confused with a spurdog (Squalus acanthias) although these have spines at the front of dorsal fins, or one of the smoothounds (Mustelus spp.).

Key Identification Features:

• Two unequal dorsal fins.
• Anal fin.

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

iNaturalist: Galeorhinus galeus at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Galeorhinus galeus

WoRMS: Galeorhinus galeus at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Galeorhinus galeus (Linnaeus, 1758). AphiaID: 105820.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Chordata; Vertebrata; Gnathostomata; Chondrichthyes; Elasmobranchii; Neoselachii; Selachii; Galeomorphi; Carcharhiniformes; Triakidae; Galeorhininae; Galeorhinus