Sevengill Shark
The broadnose sevengill is one of the few large sharks that anglers in Argentina can realistically target from shore or small boats.
Coastal bays in Patagonia and the Buenos Aires province hold fishable populations, and a dedicated catch-and-release sport fishery has developed around them — partly because researchers rely on sport anglers to collect biological data on a species whose numbers have dropped sharply over the past four decades.
Scientific Name: Notorynchus cepedianus
Also known as tiburón pinto, gatita, tollo fume
- Thick, heavy body with a broad, blunt snout and a single dorsal fin set far back toward the tail — closer to the tail than to the head.
- Silver-gray to brown on top, pale white underneath; body and fins scattered with small black and white spots — the clearest field mark separating it from other large sharks.
- Seven gill slits on each side (most sharks have five) — unmistakable once you know to look.
- Grows to nearly 3 m (about 10 ft) and can exceed 100 kg; females run larger than males and reach sexual maturity at roughly 224 cm.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to Argentine coastal waters; present year-round in bays and estuaries along the Patagonian coast and the Buenos Aires province.
- Caleta Valdés (Península Valdés, northern Patagonia) and Bahía Anegada (Buenos Aires province) are documented concentration areas; Samborombón Bay has also recorded significant aggregations.
- Prefers shallow coastal habitat — usually less than 50 m deep — including bay channels, estuaries, and the inner continental shelf; juveniles especially use sheltered bays as nursery grounds.
- During winter, larger individuals move to deeper water on the continental shelf, following prey and thermal conditions.
Key Locations
- Caleta Valdés, Península Valdés (Patagonia) — year-round presence documented; shark numbers peak in late spring alongside elephant seal pupping.
- Bahía Anegada (Buenos Aires province) — confirmed nursery area with high juvenile abundance; site of a multi-year recreational fishery study.
- Samborombón Bay (Buenos Aires province) — recorded one of the largest single catches of this species documented in scientific literature.
Specific Spots
- Deep channels within bays concentrate sharks, particularly at tidal movement when prey fish funnel through narrow passages.
- Shallow nursery flats inside protected bays hold juveniles and sub-adults — Bahía Anegada is a confirmed nursery area.
- Near pinniped haul-outs and seal pupping beaches in late spring, when pups enter the water and shark numbers peak — documented at Caleta Valdés.
- Estuarine drop-offs where fresh and salt water mix attract baitfish and the sharks that follow them.
Sevengill Shark FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Sevengill Shark?
Fresh cut bait from locally abundant bony fish is the go-to, whole small fish or large chunks fished on the bottom on a fish-finder or running sinker rig.
When is the best time to fish for Sevengill Shark?
Late spring (November–December): peak abundance in Patagonian bays, coinciding with pinniped pupping season and increased prey availability. Summer (January–March): sharks remain in shallow coastal bays and estuaries; active fishing season in Buenos Aires province waters.
How do you catch Sevengill Shark?
Shore fishing and small-boat fishing at anchor are both practiced in Argentine bays, with fresh cut bait fished on the bottom being the standard approach. The catch-and-release model is increasingly common, with anglers tagging sharks before release to contribute to ongoing population research.
What do Sevengill Shark eat?
Smaller individuals (under 100 cm) eat mainly bony fish, match this with large cut bait or whole fish rigged on a bottom rig. Mid-sized sharks (100–170 cm) shift toward cartilaginous fish: other sharks, rays, and skates, heavy wire leaders and large chunk baits are standard.
Where do Sevengill Shark live?
Native to Argentine coastal waters; present year-round in bays and estuaries along the Patagonian coast and the Buenos Aires province.
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