Asymbolus analis, commonly known as the sixgill dogfish, is a species of shark belonging to the family Pentanchidae. These sharks are distinguished by their slender bodies, long snouts, and a unique six-gill system, setting them apart from other sharks.
Description & Characteristics
The sixgill dogfish, Asymbolus analis, is a relatively small shark species, with a maximum recorded size of 90.0 cm. Its body is characterized by its slender build, long snout, and prominent eyes. The sixgill dogfish is also notable for having six gill slits, a feature that distinguishes it from most other sharks.
Habitat and Occurrence
Asymbolus analis exhibits a preference for deep-water environments, with a depth range spanning from 10.0 to 180.0 meters. This suggests that the sixgill dogfish is adapted to the pressures and conditions of the bathypelagic zone, a region of the ocean characterized by low light and relatively stable temperatures. This species is typically found in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, making it a prevalent presence in this vast marine ecosystem.
Taxonomy
Asymbolus analis belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, Order: Carcharhiniformes, and Family: Pentanchidae. This classification places the sixgill dogfish within a diverse group of cartilaginous fishes, characterized by their skeletons made of cartilage rather than bone.
Feeding
Like other members of its family, the sixgill dogfish, Asymbolus analis, is a carnivorous shark. It feeds on a diet consisting primarily of smaller fish and invertebrates, demonstrating its role as an important predator in the deep-sea food web.
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