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Bramble shark
Bramble shark
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Bramble shark
Echinorhinus brucus, illustration of the zoology of South Africa (1838)
Echinorhinus brucus, mounted specimen.
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Subclass: Elasmobranchii
Division: Selachii
Order: Echinorhiniformes
Family: Echinorhinidae
Genus: Echinorhinus
Species:
E. brucus
Binomial name
Echinorhinus brucus
(Bonnaterre, 1788)
Range of the bramble shark[2]
Synonyms

Echinorhinus mccoyi Whitley, 1931
Echinorhinus obesus Smith, 1838
Squalus brucus Bonnaterre, 1788
Squalus spinosus Gmelin, 1789

The bramble shark (Echinorhinus brucus) is one of the two species of sharks in the family Echinorhinidae. Aside from the eastern Pacific Ocean, it is found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide. This rarely encountered shark swims close to the bottom of the seafloor, typically at depths of 400–900 m (1,300–3,000 ft), though it may enter much shallower water. The bramble shark has a stout body with two small dorsal fins positioned far back and no anal fin. It can be readily identified by the large, thornlike dermal denticles scattered over its body, some of which may be fused together. It is purplish brown or black in color and grows up to 3.1 m (10 ft) long.

The diet of the bramble shark includes smaller sharks, bony fishes, and crabs, which this slow-moving species may capture via suction. It is aplacental viviparous, with females producing litters of 15–52 pups. Harmless to humans, it is an occasional bycatch of commercial and recreational fishers, and may be used for fishmeal and liver oil. Its population has declined substantially in the northeastern Atlantic since the 18th and 19th centuries, likely because of overfishing.

Taxonomy

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The original description of the bramble shark was authored by French naturalist Pierre Joseph Bonnaterre in the 1788 Tableau encyclopédique et méthodique des trois regnes de la nature. He named it Squalus brucus, from the Greek brux or bruchios meaning "from the depths of the sea".[3][4] The type specimen has since been lost.[5] In 1816, Henri de Blainville created the genus Echinorhinus for this species.[6] Until the 1960s, specimens of the prickly shark (E. cookei) caught in the Pacific Ocean were misidentified as bramble sharks.[4] Other common names for this species are spinous shark and spiny shark.[7]

Description

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Distinctive traits of the bramble shark include its posteriorly placed dorsal fins, lack of an anal fin, and large thornlike dermal denticles (detail below).
Jaws, lower and upper teeth

The bramble shark has a thick, cylindrical body and a somewhat flattened head. The snout is blunt and shorter than the width of the mouth, with widely spaced nostrils that are preceded by small flaps of skin. The eyes lack nictitating membranes; the tiny spiracles are located well behind them. The wide, curved mouth bears very short furrows at the corners. There are 20–26 upper and 22–26 lower tooth rows; each tooth is knife-like, with a single main cusp and up to three cusplets on either side. There are five pairs of gill slits, with the fifth pair the longest.[5][8]

The pectoral fins are short and angular, while the pelvic fins are long and relatively large. The dorsal fins are small, with the first dorsal fin origin lying behind the pelvic fin origins. There is no anal fin. The caudal peduncle is robust and lacks notches at the caudal fin origins. The asymmetrical caudal fin has an indistinct lower lobe and an upper lobe without a notch in the trailing margin.[9]

The skin is covered by a layer of foul-smelling mucus several millimeters thick.[10][11] The dermal denticles are scattered irregularly over the body and vary greatly in size, measuring up to 1.5 cm (0.59 in) across. Each denticle is thornlike in shape, with ridges radiating out from the central point over the base. As many as ten denticles may be fused together to form multi-pointed plates. The underside of the snout and the area around the mouth is densely covered by small denticles in sharks under 90 cm (35 in) long; these denticles become larger and sparser in larger sharks. This species is brown to black above, with a metallic purplish hue, and paler below; some individuals have red or black blotches. There is a report of one specimen that had a greenish glow when freshly caught. The bramble shark may reach 3.1 m (10 ft) in length. The maximum weight on record is 200 kg (440 lb) for a 2.8 m (9.2 ft) long female.[2][4][5]

Distribution and habitat

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Records of the bramble shark are fairly rare and originate from widely scattered locations in tropical and temperate waters worldwide, save for the eastern Pacific Ocean. Most have come from the eastern Atlantic and western Indian Oceans, where its range extends from the North Sea and the British Isles to southern Mozambique, including the Mediterranean Sea. In the western Atlantic, this species is represented by a handful of specimens from Massachusetts, North Carolina, Louisiana, Tobago, Brazil, and Argentina.[4] In the Indo-Pacific, it is known from Oman,[12] India, southern Japan, southern Australia, New Zealand, and possibly Kiribati.[5]

Found close to the sea floor, the bramble shark most commonly inhabits continental and insular shelves and slopes at depths of 400–900 m (1,300–3,000 ft).[13] However, it has been reported from as shallow as 18 m (59 ft), in areas with upwellings of cold water, and from as deep as 1,214 m (3,983 ft).[2][5][9] At least in European waters, this species may migrate into shallower depths of 20–200 m (66–656 ft) during the summer.[4]

Biology and ecology

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The spiny dogfish (pictured) is a known prey item of the bramble shark.
Bramble shark embryo with external yolk sac.

Sluggish in nature, the bramble shark feeds on smaller sharks (including the spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias), bony fishes (including ling, catfishes, and lizardfishes), and crabs. The large size of its pharynx, relative to its mouth, suggests that it may capture prey by suction.[5] This species is aplacental viviparous; females have two functional ovaries and two uteruses. Recorded litter sizes have ranged from 15 to 52, and newly born pups have been estimated to measure 40–50 cm (16–20 in) long.[4][14] The dermal denticles in near-term embryos are underdeveloped, appearing as minute spines located within open pits in the skin.[15] The size at sexual maturity is uncertain; the smallest known mature males and females are 1.5 m (4.9 ft) and 2.1 m (6.9 ft) long respectively.[5]

Human interactions

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The bramble shark is not known to pose a danger to humans. It is caught incidentally by commercial fisheries in bottom trawls and on fishing line, as well as by sport anglers. In the eastern Atlantic, this species is processed into fishmeal but has little commercial significance.[5][7] The Bramble Shark's liver oil was found to be rich in squalene, fatty acids, and vitamins A, D, and K actively making it a dietary supplement.[16] Its liver oil is highly valued in South Africa as medicine, whereas in India the oil is considered poor and is used to coat canoes to discourage woodboring beetles.[14] Historical accounts suggest that bramble shark numbers in the northeastern Atlantic have fallen markedly since the 18th and 19th centuries, such as that it is now extremely rare off northern Europe and in the Mediterranean. This decline has been attributed to fishing pressure, to which this species may be highly vulnerable as large, deep-sea sharks generally have slow growth rates and long lifespans.[4][9] Regarding the species as a whole, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assesses it as Endangered.[1] In June 2018 the New Zealand Department of Conservation classified the bramble shark as "At Risk – Naturally Uncommon" with the qualifiers "Data Poor" and "Secure Overseas" under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.[17]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The bramble shark (Echinorhinus brucus) is a rare, large-bodied deepwater in the Echinorhinidae, distinguished by its stout, flabby form, short , and covered in sparsely distributed thorn-like denticles that give it a bramble-like appearance. Reaching a maximum length of 3.1 meters, it features two small dorsal fins positioned far posteriorly, lacks an anal fin, and exhibits a dark gray to black coloration. This sluggish, bottom-dwelling species primarily occupies continental and insular shelves and upper slopes in temperate and tropical waters, at depths ranging from 10 to 900 meters, though it is most commonly encountered below 200 meters on soft substrates. Its global distribution spans the western North Atlantic from to , the eastern Atlantic from the to including the Mediterranean, the South Atlantic off and , the Indian Ocean off , , and recently the (2023), and the western Pacific from to and , but it is absent from the eastern Pacific where its close relative, the prickly shark (E. cookei), occurs instead. Biologically, the bramble shark is ovoviviparous, producing litters of 15–26 pups measuring 40–50 cm at birth, with males reaching at 1.5–1.74 m and females at 2.13–2.30 m. It preys on bony fishes, smaller , and crustaceans like , employing a slow, ambush-style suited to its deep-sea . Genetic studies reveal two distinct mitochondrial lineages—one in the Atlantic and one in the —suggesting potential taxonomic complexities. Due to its rarity, sporadic records, and vulnerability to deepwater fisheries , as well as slow growth and low reproductive rates, the bramble shark is classified as Endangered on the (as of 2025), with evidence of population declines in regions like the Mediterranean and . Conservation efforts are limited by data deficiencies, but high abundances in areas like and highlight potential refugia, underscoring the need for targeted monitoring and fishery management to prevent further declines.

Taxonomy and classification

Scientific classification

The bramble shark is classified under the binomial name Echinorhinus brucus (Bonnaterre, 1788), originally described as Squalus brucus. Its full taxonomic hierarchy is as follows:
RankClassification
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
Class
Subclass
OrderEchinorhiniformes
FamilyEchinorhinidae
GenusEchinorhinus
SpeciesEchinorhinus brucus
The family Echinorhinidae comprises primitive characterized by two dorsal fins positioned posteriorly, the absence of an anal fin, and thorn-like dermal denticles scattered across the body. This genus includes a single congener, Echinorhinus cookei (the prickly ), which differs in possessing smaller, more numerous denticles that do not fuse and a distribution confined to the , in contrast to the broader Atlantic and range of E. brucus. Historical synonyms for E. brucus include Echinorhinus obesus Smith, 1838, and Echinorhinus spinosus (Gmelin, 1789). The family also has fossil relatives dating back to the period.

Etymology and discovery history

The genus name Echinorhinus derives from echinos (spiny or ) and rhinus (nose or ), referring to the prominent thorn-like denticles around the snout. The specific epithet brucus originates from the Latin term for heather, alluding to the bramble-like appearance of the shark's skin created by its large, scattered denticles. The bramble shark was first described scientifically by Pierre Joseph Bonnaterre in 1788 as Squalus brucus, based on specimens collected from the . During the early , records from European waters, including the and Atlantic coasts, portrayed the species as relatively common, with captures documented in fisheries and natural history collections. These accounts peaked in the 1860s and 1880s before a notable decline, reflecting increased exploitation and habitat changes. Due to morphological similarities, E. brucus was frequently confused with its Pacific counterpart Echinorhinus cookei—described in —until taxonomic clarifications in the resolved their distinctions. In the , revisions by Compagno affirmed the monophyly of the family Echinorhinidae within , integrating morphological and systematic data. A 2024 genetic analysis employing COI barcoding further validated E. brucus identity, enhancing understanding of its global distribution separate from E. cookei.

Physical description

Body structure and size

The bramble shark (Echinorhinus brucus) possesses a robust, flabby body with a cylindrical trunk and a short, broad, depressed head. The snout is notably short, and the overall form is stout, adapted for deep-sea environments. Spiracles are small and positioned well behind the eyes, while the openings are relatively small. This species reaches a maximum total length (TL) of 310 cm, though adults typically measure 150–200 cm TL. The body features two small, spineless dorsal fins located far posteriorly, with the first originating behind the pelvic fin bases and the second slightly smaller and positioned close to it; there is no anal fin. Pectoral fins are short and rounded, ventral in position, while pelvic fins are larger than the dorsals but set far back on the belly. The caudal fin is heterocercal, with the lower lobe longer than the upper, and lacks a prominent subterminal notch. Coloration is uniform, ranging from brownish-grey to blackish dorsally, often with a purplish or olive tint and occasional darker blotches on the sides and back; the ventral surface is paler, typically greyish-white. Fin margins, particularly on the caudal and dorsal fins, are darker, sometimes blackish. Sexual dimorphism is evident in size, with females attaining larger dimensions than males; mature males are recorded from 150 cm TL, while females mature at around 213 cm TL. Males possess claspers that can extend up to 10% of their total length.

Skin and denticles

The skin of the bramble shark (Echinorhinus brucus) is covered by a layer of and features large, thorn-like dermal denticles that impart a rough, bramble-like texture overall. These denticles are conical with a central spine and consist of a broad basal shield that is typically oval or round, with smooth margins; in some cases, two or three denticles fuse at their bases to form compound plates. Adults possess notably large denticles, reaching up to 15 mm in basal diameter, which are thorn-like and tuberculated. The denticles are distributed sparsely and irregularly across the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the body, with concentrations on the and around the , as well as on the fins and ; they are reduced or absent on the ventral surfaces, including the head and . Smaller denticles, approximately 1 mm in diameter with stellate bases, occur in dense patches in certain areas but are similarly absent ventrally. Compared to its congener E. cookei, the bramble shark's denticles are fewer in number, larger in size, more widely spaced, and prone to fusion, while E. cookei denticles are smaller (generally under 5 mm) and densely packed. These prominent denticles likely function as defensive armor, providing protection against predators through their sharp, protruding structure, consistent with roles observed in other dermal denticles. Ontogenetically, denticles in juveniles are smaller and more numerous, gradually enlarging and fusing as the shark grows, with size increasing in correlation to overall body length up to the adult maximum.

Distribution and habitat

Global range

The bramble shark (Echinorhinus brucus) exhibits a circumglobal distribution in temperate to tropical waters across the Atlantic, Indian, and western Pacific Oceans, with confirmed records spanning multiple continents but notable absences in the eastern Pacific, where it is replaced by the closely related prickly shark (E. cookei). In the Atlantic Ocean, the species occurs in the eastern portion from the and southward to , including records off , the , , , and , while in the western Atlantic, it ranges from the and , USA, to and . The records include the western from , , (particularly and ), , , and , extending to the western Pacific off , , and . Recent observations and genetic analyses have expanded understanding of its patchy presence, with 2023 sightings in the off and confirming its occurrence in previously under-documented areas, alongside continued captures along South American coasts in . A 2024 genetic study incorporating from over 8,900 historical and contemporary specimens verified the ' presence across more than 20 countries, underscoring its rarity despite broad geographic spread, with high abundances noted in Brazilian fisheries (over 4,300 individuals recorded in 2001) and Indian fisheries (over 4,100 individuals from 2008–2011). Additionally, submersible surveys in December 2023 off the in the documented at least six individuals, marking the first confirmed records for that region. Historically, the bramble shark was more frequently encountered in the and western Mediterranean prior to the 1980s, but populations there have since declined sharply, leading to suspected local extinctions, while current distributions rely on sporadic captures during deepwater trawl surveys elsewhere. Genetic evidence indicates no recognized , but reveals two distinct mitochondrial lineages—one in the Atlantic and one in the —that cluster separately and suggest potential taxonomic complexities, including possible status or historical with E. cookei.

Depth preferences and environmental conditions

The bramble shark (Echinorhinus brucus) primarily inhabits depths of 10–900 m, with most records occurring between 350 and 900 m along the outer continental and insular shelves and upper slopes. It is benthopelagic, typically residing near the seafloor, though occasional captures have been documented in shallower waters, such as at 18 m in the . This species tolerates cool deep-water conditions in temperate to subtropical regions, with preferred temperatures ranging from 4.1 to 13.9°C (mean 8.5°C). It is demersal, favoring soft-bottom substrates of mud and sand on continental slopes. Data on seasonal movements remain limited, with no confirmed tagging studies indicating migrations, though some records suggest possible shifts to shallower depths during warmer months. The bramble shark's preferred habitats overlap with areas of intensive deep-sea fishing, rendering it highly vulnerable to in demersal trawl, longline, and setnet operations on upper slopes.

Biology and ecology

Behavior and locomotion

The bramble shark (Echinorhinus brucus) exhibits sluggish locomotion, characterized by slow swimming and gliding motions close to the seafloor substrate, typically at depths of m. This benthic lifestyle allows it to navigate soft-bottom habitats like fine-silt muds and cyanobacterial mats, where it often rests or disappears into the sediment after brief activity periods. Little is known about its activity patterns due to the species' rarity and deep-sea habitat, but observations indicate low-energy movements, with individuals occasionally approaching research vessels before retreating. The bramble shark is solitary, with no evidence of schooling, aggregation, or group interactions; sightings typically involve single individuals, even in areas with multiple records. As a deep-sea elasmobranch, it relies on electroreception via the to detect electrical fields, potentially aiding navigation and responses to stimuli like vessel emissions in low-light conditions. Olfaction likely plays a key role in its sensory repertoire for locating cues in the dimly lit depths, consistent with adaptations in other squalomorph sharks. Defensive interactions are undocumented in detail, but the shark's large, thorn-like dermal denticles (up to 15 mm in diameter) provide protection against predators, potentially erecting during threats, while a mucus coating may deter attacks given its slow mobility. No aggression toward humans has been reported, despite rare encounters during submersible operations.

Diet and feeding

The bramble shark (Echinorhinus brucus) is a generalist with a diet dominated by benthic and demersal prey, reflecting its deep-sea habitat. Primary food items include crustaceans such as and , which comprise the bulk of its intake, alongside bony fishes (e.g., and catfishes), smaller elasmobranchs like , cephalopods, and other mollusks. This composition positions the at a of approximately 4.0, where it plays a role in regulating deep-sea food webs by controlling populations of smaller and fishes. Stomach content analyses from specimens caught in the south-eastern (), as examined in a 2013 study of 431 individuals, indicate that crustaceans account for about 69% of the overall diet (by index of relative importance, IRI), with teleosts contributing 25%, cephalopods 2%, and elasmobranchs 1%. In this study, only 26% of stomachs contained identifiable prey, underscoring the challenges of sampling this elusive , yet confirming the of hard-shelled crustaceans like across samples. These findings highlight a consistent reliance on accessible seabed resources, with variations possibly linked to local prey availability. Ontogenetic shifts occur in the diet, with juveniles feeding almost exclusively on crustaceans, while adults exhibit greater diversity, incorporating more teleosts and elasmobranchs to meet increased energy demands. As a sluggish, solitary benthic predator, the bramble shark employs an ambush strategy, on the before launching short bursts to capture prey. It utilizes powerful jaws armed with small, multi-cusped teeth for grasping slippery items and broader, plate-like posterior teeth suited for crushing exoskeletons.

Reproduction and development

The bramble shark (Echinorhinus brucus) is ovoviviparous, exhibiting in which embryos develop internally within the and derive nutrition solely from reserves in their , without maternal nutrient transfer. This reproductive mode is typical of many squaliform sharks and results in live birth after internal . Gravid females have been documented carrying litters ranging from 10 to 36 pups, with most records indicating 15 to 26 individuals per litter; newborns measure 40 to 50 cm in total length at birth. The period and precise breeding cycle remain unknown due to limited data. Sexual maturity is reached at different sizes between sexes, reflecting sexual dimorphism in growth. Males attain maturity at approximately 150 cm total length (1.5 m), or in the range 1.5-1.74 m total length, while females mature at 2.0-2.3 m total length. Females attain maturity at around 7 years of age based on a regional study in the south-eastern Arabian Sea; male maturity ages are not well-documented but likely occur earlier. Growth is notably slow, with an estimated rate of about 5 cm per year in later life stages, modeled via the von Bertalanffy growth function with a growth coefficient (K) of 0.12 year⁻¹ and asymptotic length (L) of 333 cm total length. This protracted maturation aligns with the species' overall life history, including a potential longevity of about 25 years. The bramble shark's low , combined with late maturity and slow growth, renders it particularly susceptible to population declines from anthropogenic pressures. Embryonic development has been documented in specimens from the , where near-term embryos exhibit advanced morphological features, including the formation of dermal denticles similar to those of adults, which provide early protective armor. Genetic analyses reveal two distinct mitochondrial lineages—one in the Atlantic and one in the —suggesting potential taxonomic complexities and historical . These observations underscore the ' extended developmental timeline , contributing to its K-selected reproductive strategy.

Human interactions and conservation

Fisheries and utilization

The bramble shark (Echinorhinus brucus) is primarily captured as in deepwater demersal trawls, longlines, and set nets operated in its preferred bathyal habitats. Rare targeted fisheries have been documented in regions such as , where it is occasionally sought for its liver oil, and sporadically in the through small-scale operations. Utilization of the species focuses on its byproducts rather than whole specimens, with meat processed for human consumption despite its low commercial value due to poor flesh quality. Fins are harvested for the international shark fin trade, while the liver oil—regarded as one of the most valuable among shark species for its high squalene content—has been extracted for medicinal and industrial applications. Historically, the skin has been used to produce leather, though this practice has declined. Regionally, incidental catches occur in Atlantic longline fisheries targeting other deepwater species, such as gulper sharks, as well as in Mediterranean demersal operations. A 2023 global inventory documented 169 preserved specimens in natural history collections, many originating from fishery discards or landings across these regions. The economic impact of bramble shark fisheries remains minimal, driven by the species' rarity and low for most products beyond liver . Specimens are often discarded at sea due to lack of direct commercial interest, with deepwater like this one typically released in 50–70% of encounters to prioritize higher-value targets. Bycatch rates have risen since the 1990s expansion of deep-sea fishing efforts, particularly in the and Mediterranean, coinciding with increased targeting of co-occurring like gulper sharks for their own liver .

Conservation status and threats

The bramble shark (Echinorhinus brucus) is assessed as Endangered (EN) on the under criteria A2bd, based on an inferred population reduction exceeding 50% over the past three generations attributable to actual or potential levels of exploitation and observed or projected decreases in quality of habitat. This global status was established in the 2019 assessment by Finucci et al., reflecting the species' vulnerability as a large, slow-growing deep-sea elasmobranch with limited resilience to anthropogenic pressures. Population trends indicate sporadic and rare encounters worldwide, with historical records often limited to isolated bycatch events or opportunistic sightings, suggesting regional declines in areas such as the western Mediterranean Sea—where local extinctions have been reported—and the , including overfished zones in the southern . For instance, pre-2020 documentation in many localities totals fewer than 100 verified specimens, underscoring the ' elusiveness and potential contraction from historical ranges due to cumulative impacts. The primary threat to the bramble shark is mortality in unregulated deep-sea trawl and longline fisheries operating on continental slopes and upper abyssal plains, where the is captured incidentally but rarely released alive owing to its depth range and physiological stress. This is amplified by the shark's low reproductive rate, characterized by infrequent litters of 15–26 pups after a prolonged , which hinders population recovery from even moderate removal rates. Emerging threats from , including shifts in prey distribution and affecting deep-sea ecosystems, may further exacerbate vulnerability by altering foraging grounds and habitat suitability, though specific impacts remain poorly quantified. Regionally, the bramble shark is classified as "At Risk – Naturally Uncommon" in under the Department of Conservation's threat classification system, reflecting data-poor status and infrequent interactions with fisheries since 2018. It is not listed under but is monitored through the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) framework for migratory sharks, which promotes international cooperation on threat mitigation. Significant research gaps persist, particularly regarding current abundance, stock structure, and fine-scale distribution, as the species' deep-water habitat limits direct observation and sampling. Recent genetic analyses in have highlighted potential cryptic diversity between Atlantic and populations, recommending enhanced molecular monitoring and targeted surveys to inform conservation priorities and refine IUCN assessments.

References

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