Recognition: The porbeagle has a conical
snout, a first dorsal fin
originating over or anterior to the pectoral fin axil, and a
lunate tail with a secondary keel. The teeth are smooth edged and have lateral cusps.
Color: Color is dark bluish gray to brown above changing abruptly to
white below. There is usually a patch of white at the trailing edge of the
first dorsal fin.
Size: Most specimens caught measure 150-180 cm (59-71 in). It is said
to reach 365 cm (12 ft).
Similar species: The white shark has triangular teeth with serrated
edges. The makos lack the secondary keels on the tail and the lateral cusps on
the teeth.
Biology: The porbeagle inhabits cold-temperate waters of the
Atlantic and Pacific oceans. In North America it ranges from Newfoundland to
New Jersey, being locally common from southwest of the Grand Banks to Massachusetts
Bay. It is found in both inshore and offshore waters colder than 19°C (66
°F) over the continental shelves. It feeds on cod, mackerel, hake,
flounder, many other fishes, and squid.
Porbeagle length-weight relationship
Shortfin mako and porbeagle comparison
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