Fin's Fish Guide
The Hooktooth shark (Chaenogaleus macrostoma) is a saltwater fish of the family Hemigaleidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Description
The hooktooth shark is a slender weasel shark from the Indo-West Pacific, from the Persian Gulf to China and Indonesia. The species grows to about 100 cm and has a streamlined, greyish body, a large mouth and long, hook-shaped teeth. As a coastal dweller it lives over the continental shelf to about 60 metres depth and hunts small fish, squid and crustaceans. It bears live young. The species is not considered dangerous, but as a shark it can bite when handled. Owing to fishing the IUCN assesses it as Endangered (EN).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Hooktooth shark?
The Hooktooth shark has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large mouth with long hook-shaped teeth; coastal weasel shark
Where does the Hooktooth shark live?
The Hooktooth shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Hooktooth shark get?
The Hooktooth shark grows to a maximum of about 100 cm.
Is the Hooktooth shark dangerous to humans?
The Hooktooth shark can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. A weasel shark that is normally not dangerous but can bite with sharp teeth when caught or handled. Clean any bite wound thoroughly, stop the bleeding and seek medical help for a deep wound.
Is the Hooktooth shark edible?
The Hooktooth shark is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Hemigaleidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Hooktooth shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.