Rough Sagre
Etmopterus princeps

   The rough sagre is a slender and small deep water shark. Both dorsal fins have an associated spine at their origin. This shark is of uniform colour being black or brownish black. It grows to a maximum size of approximately 75 cm (30 inches). The teeth on the upper jaw have 5 smooth edged cusps while the lower teeth have a single oblique cusp. Early reports suggested that it possessed photophores (light producing organs), and thus referred to it as the lantern shark. However, later reports suggest that it is not luminescent.

Diet

   The diet of this shark is unknown.

Reproduction

   Little is known about reproduction in this shark although development is assumed to be ovoviviparous.

Habitat

   This is a deep dwelling animal that is often found at depths between 570 and 2200 meters (1870 to 7300 feet). A report of a capture on the Scotian Shelf was at a depth of 950 meters (3100 feet).

Range

   The rough sagre occurs in both the western and eastern North Atlantic. In the western North Atlantic it is present off southern Nova Scotia to southern New England.

Distinguishing Characteristics

• Uncertain if it has luminescent photophores
• No anal fin
• Dorsal fin spines
• Thorn-like, nearly erect dermal denticles
• Upper teeth with 5 cusps, lower teeth oblique with single cusp

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