Pseudocarcharias kamoharaiCrocodile shark(Also: Japanese ragged-tooth shark; Kamohara´s sand-shark; Water crocodile)

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Geographic Range

Pseudocarcharias kamoharai (Crocodile sharks) can be found in nearly all subtropical and tropical oceans of the world (Compagno 1984). (Compagno, 1984)


Crocodile sharks are mostly pelagic; however, there have been some incidences where crocodile sharks have been found inshore (Compagno 1984). The known depth range of crocodile sharks from the water surface can reach 590 m (Martin 2003). (Compagno, 1984; Martin, 2003)

  • Range depth
    590 (high) m
    1935.70 (high) ft

Physical Description

Crocodile sharks are clearly distinguishable by huge eyes that lack nictitating eyelids and long gill slits that extend to the top of the head. Crocodile sharks have a slender, spindle-shaped body with two small, spineless dorsal fins. The second dorsal fin is less than half the size of the first dorsal fin. The pelvic fins are distinctly broad and round (Compagno 1984). Like all Lamniformes, crocodile sharks have 5 gill slits and a mouth that extends behind the eyes (Martin 2003). The size of adult crocodile sharks is on average 89 to 110 cm in length and between 4 to 6 kg in weight. The color of crocodile sharks can range from light to dark grey to dark brown. White or transluscent margins may also be found around the fins (Martin 2003). Some specimens have been found with whitish blotches on either side of the head between the corner of jaw and the first gill slit (Compagno 1984). (Compagno, 1984; Martin, 2003)

  • Sexual Dimorphism
  • sexes alike
  • Range mass
    4 to 6 kg
    8.81 to 13.22 lb
  • Range length
    89 to 110 cm
    35.04 to 43.31 in
  • Average length
    105 cm
    41.34 in


At birth, crocodile sharks are 41 cm in length (Compagno 1984). Males mature at a length of about 74 to 100 cm and females mature at a length of about 89 to 102 cm (Martin 2003). (Compagno, 1984; Martin, 2003)


Crocodile sharks reproduce sexually through internal fertilization. There is little information on the mating systems of P. kamoharai.

Crocodile sharks reproduce sexually through internal fertilization. Females are ovoviviparous; they retain the eggs of their offspring until they hatch (Martin 2003). Females exhibit aplacental viviparity; the developing embryos lack a connection to the mother and thus feed on the yolk sac and the other ova produced by the mother (oophagy)(Compagno 1984). The mother typically produces four pups per litter; the pups are miniature adults, capable of swimming and feeding (Martin 2003). (Compagno, 1984; Martin, 2003)

  • Range number of offspring
    2 to 4
  • Average number of offspring

Like all sharks, the crocodile shark provides no parental care after birth.

  • Parental Investment
  • no parental involvement
  • pre-fertilization
    • provisioning
    • protecting
      • female
  • pre-hatching/birth
    • provisioning
      • female
    • protecting
      • female


There are no data on the lifespan/longevity of crocodile sharks.


It is speculated that crocodile sharks exhibit a diel pattern of vertical migration. They remain deep in the ocean by day and ascend to the surface at night. This pattern of vertical migration is believed to run parallel with the feeding patterns of their prey (Martin 2003). Crocodile sharks are probably nocturnal (Compagno 2001). (Compagno, 1984; Compagno, 2001; Martin, 2003)

Home Range

There is little available information on the home range of crocodile sharks.

Communication and Perception

The large eyes of crocodile sharks suggest that it is a visual hunter, specializing in bioluminescent and light-refracting prey (Martin 2003). Additionally, the crocodile shark is electroreceptive; it can sense changes in the surrounding electrical field (Martin 2003). Sharks, in general, also have a keen sense of chemical perception. (Martin, 2003)

Food Habits

Crocodile sharks are carnivores; they eat small bony fish, squids, and shrimp (Compagno 1984). They have protrusible and muscular jaws that suggest they are capable of eating a wide variety of prey (Martin 2003). Beyond this, very little is known about the specific feeding habits of crocodile sharks. (Compagno, 1984; Martin, 2003)

  • Animal Foods
  • fish
  • mollusks
  • aquatic crustaceans


Very little is known about any anti-predator adaptations that the crocodile shark may exhibit. However, when removed from water, the crocodile shark snaps its powerful jaw vigorously, almost like a "crocodile." This may serve as a defense mechanism to fight off predators (Martin 2003). There are no known predators of crocodile sharks. (Martin, 2003)

Ecosystem Roles

Very little is known about the role crocodile sharks play in the ecosystem to which they belong. However, sharks in general are usually important predators in aquatic ecosystems (Martin 2003). (Martin, 2003)

Economic Importance for Humans: Positive

Crocodile sharks do not provide many benefits to humans; their large, squalene-rich liver is a source of potential value (Martin 2003). However, crocodile sharks generally are discarded due to their small size and useless flesh (Compagno 1984). (Compagno, 1984; Martin, 2003)

  • Positive Impacts
  • body parts are source of valuable material

Economic Importance for Humans: Negative

Crocodile sharks have never been implicated in attacks on humans and are deemed harmless (Martin 2003). Thus, there are no known adverse effects of crocodile sharks on humans. (Martin, 2003)

Conservation Status

Due to small size and wide range in habitat, very little information has been accumulated on crocodile sharks. The current population size is unknown, however, crocodile sharks are vulnerable to catching by long-line fisheries (Martin 2003). There is no information to indicate trends in population size, but due to bycatch a population decline is probable (Compagno 2002). As a result, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has labeled crocodile sharks at low risk for extinction. (Compagno, 2002; Martin, 2003)


Tanya Dewey (editor), Animal Diversity Web.



Atlantic Ocean


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Pacific Ocean


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bilateral symmetry



an animal that mainly eats meat


uses smells or other chemicals to communicate


uses electric signals to communicate




union of egg and spermatozoan

indeterminate growth

Animals with indeterminate growth continue to grow throughout their lives.

internal fertilization

fertilization takes place within the female's body




eats mollusks, members of Phylum Mollusca


having the capacity to move from one place to another.


specialized for swimming

native range



active during the night

oceanic islands







generates and uses light to communicate


an animal that mainly eats fish

saltwater or marine





lives alone


uses touch to communicate




uses sight to communicate


Compagno, L. 2001. FAO species catalogue Vol. 2. Sharks of the world. Bullhead, mackerel and carpet sharks (Heterodontiformes, Lamniformes, and Orectolobiformes). Rome: FAO Species Catalogue for Fishery Purposes..

Compagno, L. 2002. Sharks of the World. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of shark species known to date. Vol. 2. Bullhead, mackerel and carpet sharks (Heterodontiformes, Lamniformes and Orectolobiformes).. Rome: FAO Species Catalogue for Fishery Purposes..

Compagno, L. 1984. "Species Summary- Pseudocarcharias kamoharai" (On-line). Fishbase. Accessed October 19, 2005 at

Martin, R. 2003. "Biology of the Crocodile Shark" (On-line). Biology of Sharks and Rays. Accessed October 19, 2005 at