Porbeagle by Ghirin

Porbeagle Shark Author: Ghirin

http://www.zoo-tek.com/forums/index.php?download=142

The porbeagle (Lamna nasus), also known as the Atlantic mackerel shark and bluedog, is a member of the mackerel shark family. It has the characteristic spindle-shaped body of its close relatives, the shortfin mako and the salmon shark, but has a slightly longer, more conical snout. The dorsal surface of this shark ranges from dark blue to gray and the belly is often white, but this varies by population.

Porbeagles have two distinct populations: A population that dwells in the North Atlantic and a second population that lives in the southern portions of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. They are mainly found in open ocean, but can also be found in coastal waters.

Unlike most fish, the porbeagle and its close relatives have the ability to retain heat produced by metabolism. Special vascular structures known as retia mirabilia serve as counter-current heat exchangers between the muscles and viscera. The porbeagle can also alter blood flow, giving the shark more control over its body temperature and allowing it to raise its body temperature 12 degrees F above the surrounding water. This gives the porbeagle the ability to be a fast swimmer.

Porbeagles feed on a variety of bony fishes and will eat cephalopods when available. They are ovoviviparous and usually have litters of 1 to 6 pups with 4 being the most common.

*Inspired by the Zoo Tycoon Brains Trust at the Zoo Tek Forums

Created by Ghirin 2004