Fact File: Common Name(s): Porbeagle Shark (others: Mackerel Shark; Bonito Shark; Salmon Shark) Scientific Name: Lamna nasus  (Bonnaterre, 1788) Usual Size:Maximum length 300cm, in British Waters normally between 160-200cm UK Record Weights from rod/line: Shore:V 40lb Qualifying Weight Boat:507lb MAFF Minimum Size: Shore: Boat:

Identification: Upper body surface varies from blue through to dark grey whilst the underside is usually white. Has a secondary longtitudial keel on either side of the tail which is not present on a Mako Rear Edge of first dorsal fin, always has a White patch.This patch is never found in Makos Breeding: Ovoviviparous (live bearing) Litter size usually between 2/4 pups - 50/75cm at birth. Female Porbeagles probably mature at 5 years old (length approximately 200cm) Habitat: Found from the surface layers down. Prefers water temperatures of below 190C. Known to inhabit reefs and wrecks. Food: Fish (Pollack, Cod, Ling, Coalfish, Bass, Hake, Mackerel, Herring) and Squid. Range: Eastern Atlantic. For the UK, present at most of our coast-lines. Additional Notes: Weight potential in the order of 700lbs. A second similar species is thought to exist, though not fully studied - Spotted Porbeagle. REFERENCES: A Field Guide to The Sharks of British Coastal Waters - Vas 1991 FAO Species Catalogue 4 - Sharks of The World - Compagno Fishes of the North-Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean - Whitehead, Bauchot, Hureau, Nielsen, Tortonese Key to the Fishes of Northern Europe - Wheeler

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