School shark

The school shark, also known as the tope shark, snapper shark, or soupfin shark, belongs to the houndshark family (Triakidae) and is the sole species in the genus Galeorhinus. These sharks inhabit temperate seas worldwide and can live at depths of up to 800 meters. They can grow to nearly 2 meters in length and reproduce through an ovoviviparous method, where the eggs hatch inside the female’s body, and she gives birth to live young. The school shark is commonly targeted for its meat, fins, and liver, which is rich in vitamin A. Unfortunately, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the school shark as "vulnerable" on its Red List of Threatened Species.

In terms of appearance, the school shark has a slender body, an elongated snout, a large crescent-shaped mouth, and triangular teeth. Its back is a dark bluish-grey, while its belly is white. These sharks are widely distributed and commonly found in temperate waters near coastlines around the world. They are known for their long migratory journeys.

In regard to their diet, school sharks primarily consume various fish such as sardines, midshipmen, flatfish, rockfish, and squid. They give birth in sheltered bays and estuaries, providing a safe environment for their pups. School sharks are heavily fished for various purposes, including culinary dishes in regions like Andalusia and Greece, as well as for their liver oil, meat, and fins.

The conservation status of the school shark is concerning due to overfishing in many parts of the world. They are primarily caught using gillnets, longlines, and trawling methods. Because of this, Greenpeace International has placed the school shark on its seafood red list. In New Zealand, while they are not considered threatened locally, they are classified as "Conservation Dependent" and "Threatened Overseas" under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.