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Frilled Shark (Chlamydoselachus anguineus)

Marine fishSharkDeep seaLiving fossil

Frilled shark (Chlamydoselachus anguineus), an eel-like deep-sea shark.

Frilled shark (Chlamydoselachus anguineus).

Image: NOAA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Overview

The frilled shark (Chlamydoselachus anguineus) is a rare, deep-sea shark with a long, slender, eel-like body that looks quite unlike a typical shark. It is named for the frilly appearance of its six pairs of gill slits, the first of which stretches across the throat. With a primitive body plan and ancient lineage, it is frequently described as a “living fossil.”

Inside its mouth are rows of distinctive backward-pointing, three-pronged (trident-shaped) teeth, well suited to gripping soft, slippery prey such as squid.

Note: the frilled shark is seldom seen alive, and much is known from specimens and occasional deep encounters, so details should be treated as general and verified against authoritative marine sources.

Habitat & Range

Frilled sharks live in deep waters along ocean slopes in scattered locations around the world, generally well below the surface. They are uncommon and patchily distributed, and most records come from deep fishing gear or research rather than direct observation.

Diet

Frilled sharks are carnivores that feed mainly on cephalopods such as squid, along with fish and other sharks. Their many needle-sharp, trident-shaped teeth are thought to snag and hold soft-bodied, slippery prey, which the flexible body and jaws can then swallow.

Behavior

With a long, flexible body, the frilled shark may hunt by lunging at prey like a striking eel or snake, using its rearward-set fins for a quick forward burst. Like some other deep-water sharks it gives birth to live young, and it is believed to have a very long gestation. Its slow, deep-sea lifestyle remains poorly understood.

Human Interaction & Conservation

Frilled sharks pose no real threat to people and are rarely encountered; most come to light through deep-sea fishing bycatch or scientific study. As a rare, deep-dwelling species, it is potentially sensitive to deep fishing pressure. For current status, consult authoritative sources such as the IUCN Red List.

More photos of the frilled shark

Frilled shark head showing rows of trident-shaped teeth.

Frilled shark (Chlamydoselachus anguineus), head and teeth.

Image: OpenCage, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently Asked Questions — Frilled Shark

Why is the frilled shark called a living fossil?
The frilled shark belongs to an ancient shark lineage and keeps a number of primitive features — including its eel-like body, gill arrangement, and tooth shape — that resemble those of long-extinct relatives. For that reason it is popularly called a "living fossil," although it is a fully modern, living animal.
What do frilled sharks eat?
Mainly cephalopods such as squid, plus fish and even other sharks. Their many backward-pointing, trident-shaped teeth are well suited to gripping soft, slippery prey, which the flexible jaws and body help swallow.
Is the frilled shark dangerous to humans?
No. The frilled shark lives in the deep sea and is very rarely encountered by people; it is not considered a danger to humans. Most records come from deep fishing gear or scientific study rather than direct contact.
Where does the frilled shark live?
In deep waters along ocean slopes at scattered sites around the world, generally well below the surface. It is uncommon and patchily distributed, so precise depth ranges should be checked against current marine references.

Sources and further reading

Authoritative wildlife references used for general educational context. Conservation status should always be verified against current IUCN Red List data. External links open in a new tab.