Java Shark

A massive shark with a thick-set head, a short, broad and blunt snout, small eyes and large, triangular, saw-edged upper teeth; 1st dorsal fin high and erect, at leas 3.2 times height of 2nd dorsal fin; no interdorsal ridge (Ref. 5578). Grayish in color, white below; fins with dusky tips (Ref. 5578).

Viviparous, placental (Ref. 50449), with 3 to 13 in a litter (Ref. 9997). Size at birth about 43 to 53 cm TL (Ref. 9997); 60-70 cm TL (Ref.58048). Distinct pairing with embrace (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 0

Occurs on the continental shelf (Ref. 75154). Feeds on fish, cephalopods, crustaceans and mollusks (Ref. 5578).

An inshore species of the continental and insular shelves, commonly inhabiting shallow waters close inshore, near the surf line and along beaches (Ref. 244). May also be found in shallow bays and estuaries, as well as off the open coast but not ascending rivers (Ref. 9997). Predominantly demersal but found throughout the water column (Ref. 6871). Feeds on pelagic and demersal bony fishes, sharks and rays, squid, shrimps, cuttlefish, octopi, lobsters, gastropods and mammalian carrion (Ref. 5578, 9997). Viviparous (Ref. 50449). Potentially dangerous but not recorded in shark attacks to date (Ref. 9997). Utilized fresh and dried-salted for human consumption (Ref. 9997).

fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes; price category: medium; price reliability: very questionable: based on ex-vessel price for species in this family