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EXPLORE > ANIMALS > FISH
Lamna ditropis
The salmon shark can be identified by its pointed snout, large black eyes and grey to black body with a light-colored belly. Although much smaller (the largest known specimen was reported to be approximately 14 feet (4.3 m) in length), it is often confused with the great white shark. Like the white shark, this animal is also one of the rare warm-blooded (endothermic) fish in the world. This unique adaptation allows the shark to hunt prey over a wide range regardless of water temperature. As the name suggests, the shark prefers to feed on salmon, although it will also eat squid, sablefish and Pacific herring.
Range and Habitat
The salmon shark can be found in the northern Pacific Ocean from the west coast of North America to the east coast of Asia. It is a common shark in Oregon coastal waters, found mostly in the sunlit zone where its food sources are plentiful.
Conservation Status
Common. Although the meat of the salmon shark is sometimes consumed in Asia, there is no commercial fishery for this species.
Lamna ditropis
The salmon shark can be identified by its pointed snout, large black eyes and grey to black body with a light-colored belly. Although much smaller (the largest known specimen was reported to be approximately 14 feet (4.3 m) in length), it is often confused with the great white shark. Like the white shark, this animal is also one of the rare warm-blooded (endothermic) fish in the world. This unique adaptation allows the shark to hunt prey over a wide range regardless of water temperature. As the name suggests, the shark prefers to feed on salmon, although it will also eat squid, sablefish and Pacific herring.
Range and Habitat
The salmon shark can be found in the northern Pacific Ocean from the west coast of North America to the east coast of Asia. It is a common shark in Oregon coastal waters, found mostly in the sunlit zone where its food sources are plentiful.
Conservation Status
Common. Although the meat of the salmon shark is sometimes consumed in Asia, there is no commercial fishery for this species.
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The Killer Rep: Author and conservationist Ruth Musgrave discusses the global plight of the shark and how young people can make a difference for this imperiled species.
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