Latin name

Iago omanensis

Other name

Iago omanensis

Identification

The Bigeye Houndshark has a dense, humpbacked body and a rather elongated, broad snout. The gill region is elongated. The largest gill slit is as long as the eye. The large oval eyes are horizontally elongated. The extensive gill area allows these fish to live at great depths in low oxygen conditions. These sharks are often caught in water with a temperature of 16-25°C and an oxygen content of 0.2-2.4 ml/l. 

Features of fish fins

The first dorsal fin is quite large, larger than the second dorsal fin. Its base is above the base of the pectoral fins. The base of the second dorsal fin is above the base of the anal fin. The anal fin is smaller than either dorsal fin. Pectoral fins are broad and large. There is a ventral notch on the edge of the upper lobe of the caudal fin. 

Fish colouring

The coloration of the Bigeye Houndshark is grayish or brownish. The edges of the dorsal fins are dark. 

Distribution

Widespread in the Gulf of Oman and off the coasts of Pakistan and southwestern India, especially in the Bay of Bengal. In the Red Sea, they are believed to be found at depths down to 2195 m. Off the coast of Oman, this species is quite common. In the Gulf of Aqaba, fishermen catch mostly females, while in the Red Sea, the largest males are caught. In Omani waters this species is most commonly caught at depths of 100-250m.

Habitat

Bigeye Houndshark inhabits the continental shelf and slope at depths ranging from 110 to 1000 meters.

Size

The maximum recorded length of this species is 58 cm.

Behavior

There is segregation by sex. Females are more likely to stay at depths less than 300 m compared to males. 

Food and feeding habits

The diet consists mainly of bony fish, cephalopods and crustaceans.

Reproduction

These sharks reproduce by live birth, with both yolk and placenta. There are 2-10 pups in a litter. The length of the newborns is about 16 cm. Pregnancy lasts 10-12 months. Males reach sexual maturity at 31-32 cm and females at 40 cm. Males are smaller than females.  

Fishing

In the Gulf of Aqaba it is targeted by artisanal fisheries. These sharks are caught using gillnets and line. Bigeye houndsharks are caught as by-catch in commercial shrimp fisheries. 

Relationship with a person

Harmless. No danger to humans. The flesh of these fish is eaten as food.