Slim, streamlined body and long pointed snout. Greyish upper body, sometimes with a brownish tinge and white belly with distinctive, notched tail. Two dorsal fins and large, powerful pectoral fins. Mouth full of small but extremely sharp teeth. Males identified by the presence of the clasper near to the anal fin.
Distribution
Wide distribution around the UK, but more common around the south east, southern and western coasts of the British Isles.
Feeds On
Tope feed on a variety of different fish such as dab, flounder and pouting, as well as mackerel and herring. They will also take squid and on occasion crustaceans.
- Scientific name: Galeorhinus galeus
- Also know as: Tope Shark, School Shark, Soupfin Shark, Oil Shark, Penny’s Dog, Miller’s Dog
- Size: Up to 6ft and 100lbs, although in some locations the maximum size can be 20-30lbs.
- UK minimum size: 9kgs/20lbs (as a shark species tope has a minimum weight rather than length)
- UK shore caught record: 66lbs
- IUCN Status: VU (Vulnerable)
