Hexanchus

/hɛkˈsæŋkəs/ noun

Definition

A genus of large prehistoric and living six-gilled sharks found in deep ocean waters.

Etymology

From 'hex-' (six) + 'anchus' (relating to gills). It's the genus name for six-gilled sharks, members of the Hexanchidae family that are among the most primitive living sharks.

Kelly Says

Hexanchus griseus (the bluntnose six-gilled shark) can grow to 18 feet long and was likely the 'monster fish' in sailors' tales—these shadowy deep-ocean predators exist in conditions so extreme that they hardly ever encounter humans.

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