cowshark

The cowshark is a genus of ground sharks in the family Hexanchidae, commonly known as sevengill sharks. The genus name derives from the Greek word for "cow" and "shark," possibly referring to their large size or the fact that they are bottom-dwellers. Cowsharks are found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide, inhabiting both coastal and deep-sea environments. They are typically slow-moving and are often found close to the seabed.

There are two recognized species within the genus Cowshark: the broadnose sevengill shark (Notorychus platycephalus) and the bluntnose sevengill shark (Notorychus עיניים). Both species are characterized by their long, broad heads and their distinctive seven gill slits, which is unusual among sharks, most of which have five to six. They have a stout body, a single dorsal fin, and a heterocercal tail. Their coloration varies from grayish-brown to olive green, often with dark spots.

Cowsharks are opportunistic predators, feeding on a variety of prey including fish, cephalopods, crustaceans, and even carrion. They are known to be scavengers as well. While generally considered not to be a significant threat to humans, they have been known to exhibit curiosity towards divers and swimmers. Their reproduction is ovoviviparous, meaning the eggs hatch inside the mother's body. Their conservation status varies, with some populations facing threats due to overfishing and habitat degradation.