Lamna nasus
Photo courtesy of Kevin Crowley SAI
Distinguishing features
The porbeagle shark is a round bodied, chunky member of the shark family. It has five gills and comparatively large front dorsal fin. The small second dorsal fin is situated immediately above the similar anal fin. The back and upper sides are grayish blue which fades into cream on the underside. The dorsal fins have a lighter rear edge.
Size
The porbeagle can reach lengths of around 3 metres and a weight in excess of 230 kg.
British Record Fish List
UK Shore Record: 40lb / 18.143kg Qualifying weight
UK Boat Record: 507lb 0oz 0dms / 229.975kg
European Line Class Record for this species
Download a length / weight relationship chart for this species
Habitat
The porbeagle can be found throughout the north Atlantic. It is a pelagic species and will travel extensively hunting. Although it is an oceanic shark it can be found close to shore. The larger fish tend to frequent the northern end of its range.
Food
Squid form a major part of this shark’s diet as do fish especially mackerel, cod and coalfish.
Bait
Whole fish baits are preferred for the porbeagle either live or dead.
