Hemipristis elongata

Synonyms: Hemipristis elongatus, Dirrhizodon elongatus

The sole surviving snaggletooth shark species, they live in the Indo-pacific region and as a result of intensive fishing practices, are labeled as "vulnerable" by the ICUN. Like many sharks worldwide, the current populations are declining in most regions. Only in Northern Australia, where fishing practices are more regulated, are they considered "least concern". They seem to be rare or at least elusive in most locations where they are known to exist despite reaching maturity relatively quick (2 to 3 years).

Modern snaggletooth sharks only grow up to about 8 feet long, are light grey or bronze in color, and inhabit depths of 1 to 130 meters (3 to 427 feet deep). Like other Carcharhiniform sharks, they give birth to live young.

Jaw of an adult (or sub adult?) Hemipristis elongata shark (owned by me) compared to adult fossil Hemipristis serra teeth

General Links

Live Snaggletooth shark caught on video

Juvenile & adult dentition (great pics!) http://naka.na.coocan.jp/discussion2e.html

More pictures coming soon!!

Information Source: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/summary/41874/0