SHARK, SCHOOL

The school shark or Tope (Galeorhinus australis) is very similar to the dogfish in shape, having a double tail and pointed nose, but it has proportionately a greater girth and is much larger, attaining a length of from 6 to 7 ft. In colour it is slaty-purple to brownish above and much lighter below. The teeth are sharply pointed and serrated, but this shark is not considered dangerous.

by Arthur William Baden Powell, Assistant Director, Auckland Institute and Museum.

• SHARK, SCHOOL

Warning

This information was published in 1966 in An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock. It has not been corrected and will not be updated.

Up-to-date information can be found elsewhere in Te Ara.