The broadnose sevengill cow shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) is a highlight for those seeking a shark cage diving experience in Cape Town, particularly in False Bay, Simon’s Town and Gansbaai.
This prehistoric-looking shark, characterized by its large, thick body, broad head, blunt snout, and unique seven gill slits—unlike the typical five found in most sharks—grows up to 3 meters and weighs over 100 kg.
Its grey-brown body, adorned with a constellation of dark and white spots, allows for individual identification, adding intrigue for shark and wildlife enthusiasts.
While less common than bronze whaler/copper sharks, the sevengill shark's calm, slow movements and curious nature make it a thrilling sight for scuba divers and a unique highlight of the shark cage diving scene in South Africa.
They can occasionally be spotted around the shark cage diving boats in Gansbaai and False Bay. They approach the cage closely, especially in low visibility, giving shark cage divers the ultimate heart-pounding element of surprise.
In Gansbaai, these sharks are drawn to the nutrient-rich waters near Dyer Island and Geyser Rock. In False Bay, they frequent the areas around Seal Island and coastal kelp forests where they hunt Cape fur seals, rays, and smaller sharks, often in packs, showcasing their apex predator status.
Unlike great white sharks, which may breach or display solitary behaviour, the sevengill cow sharks are known for their cooperative hunting tactics. Although their presence can be unpredictable, sightings are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Their vulnerability due to fishing pressure adds a conservation angle to these encounters, enhancing the educational value of cage diving and scuba diving in this biodiverse region of Cape Town and surrounds.
This prehistoric-looking shark, characterized by its large, thick body, broad head, blunt snout, and unique seven gill slits—unlike the typical five found in most sharks—grows up to 3 meters and weighs over 100 kg.
Its grey-brown body, adorned with a constellation of dark and white spots, allows for individual identification, adding intrigue for shark and wildlife enthusiasts.
While less common than bronze whaler/copper sharks, the sevengill shark's calm, slow movements and curious nature make it a thrilling sight for scuba divers and a unique highlight of the shark cage diving scene in South Africa.
They can occasionally be spotted around the shark cage diving boats in Gansbaai and False Bay. They approach the cage closely, especially in low visibility, giving shark cage divers the ultimate heart-pounding element of surprise.
In Gansbaai, these sharks are drawn to the nutrient-rich waters near Dyer Island and Geyser Rock. In False Bay, they frequent the areas around Seal Island and coastal kelp forests where they hunt Cape fur seals, rays, and smaller sharks, often in packs, showcasing their apex predator status.
Unlike great white sharks, which may breach or display solitary behaviour, the sevengill cow sharks are known for their cooperative hunting tactics. Although their presence can be unpredictable, sightings are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Their vulnerability due to fishing pressure adds a conservation angle to these encounters, enhancing the educational value of cage diving and scuba diving in this biodiverse region of Cape Town and surrounds.