Pacific Sleeper Shark (Somniosus pacificus)
Pacific Sleeper Shark (Somniosus pacificus)
The Pacific Sleeper Shark (Somniosus pacificus) has several characteristics. First, it is a stealth predator and a scavenger. Second, it can feed by cutting prey or suction, and lastly, it rolls its head when feeding. As a result, it has a large mouth, a short snout that is rounded, and a cylindrical body. This species favors the deep waters of the North Pacific, especially in continental shelves and slopes. It may be dark gray or black, while the fins are blue-black. Its pelvic fins are closer to the first dorsal fin than the pectoral fin. The Pacific Sleeper shark is ovoviviparous, preying on octopuses, squids, bottom fishes, and harbor seals.
Pacific Sleeper Sharks have a total length between 12’-14.5’ (3.66-4.42 m) and body width of 19.3”-24” (49-61 cm). The typical weight of the Pacific Sleeper Shark is in the range of 700-1,960 lb (318-889 kg). Pacific Sleeper Sharks have estimated lifespans of a minimum of 40 years.
The Pacific Sleeper Shark (Somniosus pacificus) has several characteristics. First, it is a stealth predator and a scavenger. Second, it can feed by cutting prey or suction, and lastly, it rolls its head when feeding. As a result, it has a large mouth, a short snout that is rounded, and a cylindrical body. This species favors the deep waters of the North Pacific, especially in continental shelves and slopes. It may be dark gray or black, while the fins are blue-black. Its pelvic fins are closer to the first dorsal fin than the pectoral fin. The Pacific Sleeper shark is ovoviviparous, preying on octopuses, squids, bottom fishes, and harbor seals.
Pacific Sleeper Sharks have a total length between 12’-14.5’ (3.66-4.42 m) and body width of 19.3”-24” (49-61 cm). The typical weight of the Pacific Sleeper Shark is in the range of 700-1,960 lb (318-889 kg). Pacific Sleeper Sharks have estimated lifespans of a minimum of 40 years.
