Sevengill Shark
The broadnose sevengill (Notorynchus cepedianus) is a native shark found along Chile's coastline, including its southern fjords. It's a large, powerful shark that local fishers occasionally target or encounter as bycatch.
A 2021 documented aggregation in a Chilean fjord drew both scientific attention and fishing activity, confirming its presence in nearshore coastal waters.
Scientific Name: Notorynchus cepedianus
Also known as tiburón pinto, tiburón de 7 gallas, tollo fume, gatita
- Thick-bodied shark with a wide, blunt snout and a single small dorsal fin positioned far back toward the tail — unlike most sharks, which have two prominent dorsals.
- Seven gill slits on each side (most sharks have five) — the clearest field ID mark when the fish is alongside the boat or on the beach.
- Silver-gray to brown on top, white underneath, with scattered white and black spots across the body and fins.
- Can reach close to ten feet in length; adults commonly run well over 100 lbs, with large individuals considerably heavier.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to Chilean waters; documented along the coast including the southern fjord systems, where aggregations have been observed in nearshore areas.
- Favors shallow coastal waters, bays, and enclosed inlets — the fjord geography of southern Chile provides ideal habitat.
- Also found in open coastal zones; tends to move into shallower water, making it accessible from shore or small boats.
Key Locations
- Southern Chilean fjords — documented aggregations have been recorded here, making this the best-confirmed area for encounters.
- Coastal bays and inlets along the Chilean coast, where the species moves into shallow water and becomes accessible from shore.
Specific Spots
- Fjord narrows and enclosed bays in southern Chile, where prey concentrates and the shark can move into very shallow water.
- Rocky points and channel edges where current pushes baitfish — sevengills follow the food into these natural funnels.
- Nearshore structure after dark; like most large sharks, they push shallower at night when light levels drop.
Sevengill Shark FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Sevengill Shark?
Large whole fish or cut bait, oily, scent-heavy species like mackerel, bonito, or locally available baitfish are the go-to; the stronger the scent trail, the better. A chum/burley slick deployed upwind or upcurrent of your position dramatically improves results from shore or an anchored boat.
When is the best time to fish for Sevengill Shark?
Nearshore activity appears to increase when water temperatures drop and prey concentrates in enclosed bays and fjords.
How do you catch Sevengill Shark?
Shore-based fishing with heavy tackle and a chum slick is the most documented approach in Chile. Anglers fish large cut bait on wire-leader rigs from rocky points or fjord shores, typically after dark or at dawn when the sharks push into the shallows.
What do Sevengill Shark eat?
Feeds on fish, rays, smaller sharks, and marine mammals, a broad diet that means large cut bait (whole fish or chunks) is the standard approach for anglers targeting them.
Where do Sevengill Shark live?
Native to Chilean waters; documented along the coast including the southern fjord systems, where aggregations have been observed in nearshore areas. Favors shallow coastal waters, bays, and enclosed inlets, the fjord geography of southern Chile provides ideal habitat.
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