Soupfin Shark

soupfin shark, (Galeorhinus galeus), shark species of the family Triakidae inhabiting temperate and subtropical waters of all continents except Asia. The soupfin shark was once heavily fished for its vitamin-rich liver oil. Its fins are considered a delicacy and are used in soups. Its meat is also eaten. Some taxonomists separate the school shark, a valuable Australian food fish, and the tope, a British game fish, from soupfin sharks; however, most authorities consider all three to be the same species. Soupfins are gray or brownish, grow to about 2 metres long, and are often found in schools.