Warning

This information was published in 1966 in An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock. It has not been corrected and will not be updated.

Up-to-date information can be found elsewhere in Te Ara.

SHARK, GUMMY

The gummy shark or Dogfish (Mustelus antarcticus), or manga of the Maoris, comes into very shallow water at night and is frequently encountered on mud flats. It grows up to 3 ½ ft in length and is ashy grey with lighter spots on the back. It is easily recognised by its small blunt teeth, arranged like a pavement, which renders it inoffensive to man. The Maoris of old relished the sun-dried flesh of this and other small sharks.

by Arthur William Baden Powell, Assistant Director, Auckland Institute and Museum.

Co-creator

Arthur William Baden Powell, Assistant Director, Auckland Institute and Museum.