What is portuguese shark?

The Portuguese shark, also known as the Centrophorus or Black Dogfish, is a species of deep-sea shark found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. It belongs to the family Centrophoridae and can grow up to 140 cm in length.

The Portuguese shark has a slender body with a long, pointed snout and large eyes. Its body is dark brown or grey, with a pale underbelly. It has two dorsal fins, both of which are small in size.

Portuguese sharks are primarily found in deep-sea habitats, at depths ranging from 200 to 1,000 meters. They feed on a variety of prey, including squid, octopus, fish, and crustaceans.

The Portuguese shark is considered to be a vulnerable species, primarily due to overfishing, habitat degradation, and bycatch. Fisheries targeting this species are mostly unregulated, and as a result, their populations are declining. Conservation efforts such as establishing marine protected areas and monitoring fishing practices are needed to protect this species in the future.