Porbeagle, Lamna nasus (Bonnaterre, 1788)

Scientific name: Lamna nasus
Alternative name/s:
Mackerel Shark
Porbeagle, <i>Lamna nasus</i>The stomach is swollen due to consumption of eggs while still in the body of the adult female. Click to enlarge image
A 55 cm long Porbeagle. The stomach is swollen due to consumption of eggs while still in the body of the adult female. Image: T. Carter
© CSIRO

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Lamna
    Species
    nasus
    Family
    Lamnidae
    Order
    Lamniformes
    Class
    Chondrichthyes
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    It grows to at least 3.2 m in the North Atlantic but to only 1.65 m in Australian waters.

Introduction

The Porbeagle is a large, heavy-bodied species that occurs in most temperate marine waters worldwide with the exception of the North Pacific.

Identification

The species as a crescent-shaped tail, a very small second dorsal fin and a pale area at the rear of the large first dorsal fin.

Distribution

The Porbeagle has an antitropical distribution. It occurs widely in inshore and oceanic temperate marine waters.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

  1. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  2. Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 2009. Sharks and Rays of Australia. Edition 2. CSIRO. Pp. 644, Pl. 1-91.