The school shark (Galeorhinus galeus) is a houndshark of the family Triakidae, and the only living member of the genus Galeorhinus. Common names also include tope, tope shark, snapper shark, and soupfin shark.

The tope shark is a deep sea dwelling, migratory shark found worldwide. It is the only member of the genus belonging to the hound sharks of the Triakidae family. They are also known as school sharks, snapper sharks, liver-oil sharks, and soupfin sharks.

How to identify A long and slender shark with a grey upper body and a white belly. The tope shark has two dorsal fins and a distinctive notched tail.

Feb 18, 2023 · The tope shark is a large, slender shark with a long snout. They can be found in the open ocean, as well as inshore to the surf zone. Tope sharks occur in all major oceans including the west coast of the United States.

Feb 12, 2025 · The tope shark is a large, slender houndshark (Family Triakidae), with a long snout and large mouth. Pronounced spiracles are located just behind the large, almond-shaped eyes.

The tope shark is a late to mature species with a triennial reproductive cycle. It is targeted globally and a bycatch component of gillnet and longline fisheries, and trawl and hook-and-line fisheries. Where it is permitted, tope is commonly retained for its meat and fins.

Tope sharks, Galeorhinus galeus, are considered harmless to humans. They are a popular game and aquarium fish and are “hunted” commercially for its meat, liver oil, fins, and for fishmeal.

Dec 9, 2024 · NOAA Fisheries has agreed to determine whether tope sharks deserve protections under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by August 2025 following a lawsuit from …

The school shark (Galeorhinus galeus) is a houndshark of the family Triakidae, and the only member of the genus Galeorhinus. Common names also include tope, tope shark, snapper shark, and soupfin shark.

Read on to explore more about the unique species of shark – the Tope shark. Where Do Tope Sharks Live? The Tope sharks are widespread in the coastal waters of the temperate zone of the Mediterranean Sea, North-East Atlantic, and South-East Atlantic region.