The Broadfin shark (Lamiopsis temminckii) belongs to the family Carcharhinidae. It is an Indo-Pacific shark that is critically endangered. They are rare. As its name suggests, it has very broad, triangular pectoral fins. Not much is known about the behavior of these sharks.
Family: Carcharhinidae – Requiem sharks
Genus: Lamiopsis
Species: temminckii
Phylum– Chordata
Class– Chondrichthyles
Subclass– Elasmobranchii
Common Name– Ground Sharks
Family– Carcharhinidae
Common Name– Requiem Sharks
Genus– Lamiopsis
Species– temminckii
Status: IUCN Red List CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
Average Size and Length: Broadfin sharks are born between 15.7 inches and 23.62 inches. Adult males have been measured at 3.8 feet and adult females at 4.3 feet. The maximum recorded length is 5.5 feet.
Teeth and Jaw: The upper teeth are serrated with broad, triangular cusps. The lower teeth are smooth, narrow-cusped and hooked.
Head: The Broadfin shark has a moderately long snout about as long as the entire width of the mouth. They have very small eyes.
Demographic, Distribution, Habitat, Environment and Range: The can be found in the Indian Ocean and western Pacific Ocean. They have been seen near Bombay in west India. They prefer tropical waters in inshore continental shelf. The can be found from the surface down to about 164 feet.
Aesthetic Identification: The Broadfin shark is a small and stalky shark. It is light grey above and light counter-shaded below. The fifth gill slit is about half the height of the first one. The second dorsal fin is about as large as the first one. There is a longitudinal upper precaudal pit. The Broadfin shark has broad triangular pectoral fins. The anal fins and posterior margins are straight.
Biology and Reproduction: The Broadfin shark is viviparous. They have 4 to 8 pups a year (but typically 8) born prior to the monsoon season. Research suggests there is an 8-month gestation period.
Broadfin Shark Future and Conservation: The Broadfin shark is rare and falls victim to fishing.
Broadfin Shark Recorded Attacks on Humans: No threat or danger to humans.