Biology of the sevengill sharkNotorynchus cepedianus(Peron, 1807) in the temperate coastal waters of southern Africa

The sevengill shark Nolorynchus cepedianus is one of the most common species of large shark in the temperate coastal waters of southern Africa. Despite its abundance, very little is known of its biology along the southern African coast. Maturation in male sevengills begins at about 140 cm total length (TL), and is indicated by coiling of the epididymis. Most males mature at approximately 160 cm TL. Male sevengills have viable sperm throughout the year and seem capable of reproducing year-round. Females have a complex and prolonged maturation period and mature at a size in excess of 218 cm TL. One instance of copulation by the sevengill was observed. A total of 614 sevengills was tagged, of which 26 were recaptured. Specimens were at liberty between 2 and 2 503 days. In all, 12 tagged sharks were remeasured upon recapture.