Sevengill Shark

{
  "id": "f361d13e-ae70-40ac-8869-dca7cc6ab212",
  "commonName": "Sevengill Shark",
  "scientificName": "Notorynchus cepedianus",
  "slug": "sevengill-shark",
  "category": "saltwater",
  "aliases": [
    "Cow Shark",
    "Broadnose Sevengill",
    "Sevengill",
    "Spotted Cow Shark",
    "Seven-gill",
    "Mud Shark (regional)"
  ],
  "description": "The sevengill shark is a prehistoric predator, its lineage etched into every contour of its formidable body. Unlike most sharks with five-gill slits, it earns its name from the distinctive seven slits lining each side of its broad, blunt head. It presents a mottled gray to bronze coloration, often heavily speckled with small black spots across its back and sides, camouflaging perfectly with rocky, kelp-strewn bottoms. Built for power rather than speed, it possesses a thick, muscular torso that can easily exceed 10 feet in length, with confirmed records pushing 12 feet and weights over 600 pounds. The single, small dorsal fin set far back and the long, tapering tail complete a profile of an apex hunter from another age, leaving a lasting impression when finally brought boatside.",
  "imageUrl": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/species/sevengill-shark/main.webp",
  "hero": {
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    "altText": "Sevengill Shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) watercolor",
    "caption": "The sevengill shark is a prehistoric predator, its lineage etched into every contour of its formidable body.",
    "width": 2400,
    "height": 1340
  },
  "phases": [
    {
      "id": "68dc652d-3057-44f9-afcc-9e02c7c42e8c",
      "name": "Adult",
      "slug": "adult",
      "description": "A resident apex predator of the coastal ocean, patrolling bays, estuaries, and kelp forests. This prehistoric hunter primarily ambushes prey—including other sharks, rays, seals, and fish—from the seafloor, using its impressive power and camouflaged appearance to its advantage.",
      "appearance": "A thick, powerfully built shark with a broad, blunt head and a single, small dorsal fin positioned far back. Coloration varies from light gray or silvery-gray to bronze-brown, with heavy, irregular speckling of small black spots across the entire dorsal surface, back, and sides. The ventral side is a paler gray or off-white. Its namesake feature is the seven distinct long gill slits on each side of the head, a unique trait among most sharks. Pectoral and pelvic fins are broad and rounded. Maximum size reliably exceeds 10 feet (3 m), with large adults reaching up to 12 feet (3.6 m) and weighing over 600 pounds (270 kg).",
      "triggers": null,
      "habitat": "Coastal and shelf waters, often in bays, shallow inlets, and around kelp forests or rocky, structured bottoms. Frequently found from the surf zone down to around 150 feet (46 m), but can venture deeper.",
      "anglersNote": "This is the trophy phase encountered by anglers. They are a powerful, memorable catch, but require careful handling and respect.",
      "displayOrder": 0,
      "imageUrl": null,
      "media": null
    }
  ],
  "contentUpdatedAt": "2026-05-09T22:33:25.167Z"
}

[]

[]

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  "title": null,
  "description": "Sevengill sharks are prehistoric coastal predators reaching over 10 feet. Learn about this powerful, spotted cow shark and how to catch it.",
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  "ogDescription": "Meet the Sevengill Shark, a prehistoric predator with seven gill slits and a mottled appearance. Learn where to find this powerful coastal hunter and what makes it a trophy catch.",
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  "focusKeyword": "sevengill shark fishing",
  "secondaryKeywords": [
    "sevengill shark",
    "notorynchus cepedianus",
    "saltwater",
    "cow shark",
    "broadnose sevengill",
    "sevengill",
    "spotted cow shark",
    "seven-gill",
    "mud shark (regional)"
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