3-003-909 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Shark caught off Exmouth, 1861. 'Two of the sharks which have been lately seen off the English coast striking terror into the hearts of sea-bathers, were caught a short time ago off Exmouth, Devon. The specimen, of which we give an engraving (from a photograph by Mr. Sugg, of Exmouth), was taken by some fishermen in a drift, or herring-net, about six miles from shore. It appears to be one of the British species of sharks known as the fox shark (Carcharias vulpes); also termed the sea fox, the sea-ape, and the thrasher - the latter name being applied to it from its habit of defending itself by blows with its tail. It is said to attain a length of 15ft., and specimens have been taken in the British seas 13ft. long. The great length of the upper lobe of its tail give to this fish a singular appearance. The monster figured below weighs 2201b., and its entire length is 10ft. 6in., the upper lobe of its tail being prolonged 8in. beyond the length of its body. The mouth is smaller and more under the snout than in many of the sharks, but it has their characteristic triangular, saw-edged teeth'. From "Illustrated London News", 1861.