Broadnose Sevengill Shark

These large sharks are common to Oregon coastal waters and can range as far north as British Columbia and as far south as Chile. They are the largest shark species to reside in our Passages of the Deep exhibit and can be distinguished by their seven gills (most sharks only have five) and the single dorsal fin located toward the end of their body near the caudal (tail) fin.

Sevengill sharks are often hunted by sports fishermen as they are tenacious fighters. They primarily feed on smaller sharks, bat rays and mackerel, but as with most shark species, they won’t refuse any meal that presents itself.

Range & Habitat

This shark primarily resides in the colder waters of the Pacific Ocean from British Columbia to Chile.

Conservation Status

There is currently insufficient data on this shark to determine if its populations are threatened. However, because they occupy coastal waters, the Sevengill Shark is frequently a bycatch of fishermen and many are unintentionally killed as a result.