Overview

Gummy sharks are distinct from other shark families due to their unique physical characteristics. They have a distinctive, elongated, and slender body shape with a blunt snout and large, prominent eyes. Their skin is smooth and rubbery, giving them their common name. Unlike other sharks, gummy sharks lack a dorsal fin and have two small anal fins. They also have two large spines located in front of their dorsal fins, which are absent in other shark species.

Commonly found in:

1. Australia
2. New Zealand
3. South Africa
4. Chile
5. Argentina
6. Japan
7. South Korea
8. China
9. Taiwan
10. Indonesia
11. Malaysia
12. Philippines
13. Thailand
14. Vietnam
15. India

Over the past 63 years, there has been 1 recorded gummy shark attack. This attack occurred at the following location:

• Forster Beach

Size and Weight

• Size: Males average between 4-5 feet when mature; females average between 5-6 feet when mature
• Weight: Males typically weigh 15-20 pounds; females typically weigh 20-30 pounds
• Swimming speed: Both sexes swim at speeds of 2-3 mph

Interaction with Humans

• Interaction with Humans: Generally non-aggressive, rarely interact with humans
• Avoidance: Stay out of shallow coastal waters at night
• Activity: Nocturnal, most active at night

Lifespan and Diet

• Lifespan: Males live 15-20 years; females live 20-25 years"
• Diet: Small fish, squid, and crustaceans; hunts near the seafloor using electroreception

Migratory Patterns

Gummy sharks exhibit seasonal migration patterns. They typically move between coastal waters and offshore areas. In southern Australia, they migrate northward during winter months to warmer waters and return southward in summer. Some populations move between Bass Strait and the continental shelf off South Australia. In New Zealand, gummy sharks migrate from coastal areas to deeper waters offshore during winter.