Callorhinchidae - elephant fish

There are three species in this family. They are all found in the Southern Hemisphere. The elephant shark is found off the coast of New Zealand and Australia. It is around four feet in length and has a silver-white body; large eyes; large, wing-like pectoral fins; and two dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin is large and has a strong spine in the front. The most unusual feature of the elephant shark is its elephant-like snout that it uses to find food!

World Status Key
Least Concern Near Threatened Vulnerable Endangered Critically Endangered
Extinct in the Wild Extinct Breeds in NH Introduced
Status taken from ICUN Redlist. If no status is listed, there is not enough data to establish status.

Other Species Around the World
Location Key Arctic Ocean Atlantic Ocean Indian Ocean Pacific Ocean Southern Ocean Africa Asia Australia/Oceania Europe North America South America NH Species
American Elephantfish  - Callorhinchus callorynchus Cape Elephantfish  - Callorhinchus capensis Elephant Shark - Callorhinchus milii

Additional Information

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