Flapnose Houndshark Jaw w/DATA ex Dr. Gordon Hubbell

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Flapnose Houndshark Jaw (Scylliogaleus quecketti)

The Flapnose Houndshark is one of those species that instantly stands out to serious collectors because it is so rarely offered. Scylliogaleus quecketti is an unusual houndshark from the waters off South Africa, and it is the only species in its genus, which gives it an added level of collector interest. A jaw from this species is already uncommon, but one tied to the Dr. Gordon Hubbell collection carries even stronger appeal thanks to its provenance and connection to one of the most respected names in shark collecting. For collectors who appreciate jaws that go beyond the usual species seen on the market, this is a truly distinctive piece. 

Species & Classification

Scientific Name: Scylliogaleus quecketti (Boulenger, 1902)

Common Name: Flapnose Houndshark

Family: Triakidae

Order: Carcharhiniformes

Genus: Scylliogaleus

Conservation Status: Vulnerable 

Biology & Physical Characteristics

The Flapnose Houndshark is a small, slender houndshark with a blunt snout, large fused nasal flaps, and small blunt pebble-like teeth. Its second dorsal fin is about as large as the first, which helps give it a look unlike many better-known sharks. Adults reach just over 100 cm in length, so the species remains fairly modest in size, but that only adds to the appeal of the jaw itself, which tends to have a compact, refined appearance. The dentition is especially interesting because the teeth are adapted more for gripping and crushing smaller prey than for slicing like the jaws of more famous predatory sharks. 

Habitat & Distribution

This species is endemic to the coast of South Africa in the western Indian Ocean and is known from a fairly restricted range. It occurs from the surf line to shallow offshore waters, making it a coastal species rather than a deep-ocean shark. That limited distribution is one of the reasons it feels so specialized and uncommon in collections. 

Diet & Behavior

The Flapnose Houndshark feeds mainly on crustaceans, including lobster-like prey, and also takes squid and other small marine animals. Its small, blunt teeth fit that lifestyle well. Rather than being built for tearing apart large prey, this shark is adapted to feeding low on the food chain in coastal marine habitats, which gives the jaw a very different functional story from the cutting jaws of mackerel sharks or requiem sharks. 

Reproduction

This species is viviparous, meaning it gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Reports indicate low litter sizes, with only a few pups born at a time. That relatively low reproductive output is one reason the species draws conservation attention and adds to its interest from a natural history standpoint. 

Conservation & Collectibility

The Flapnose Houndshark is currently listed as Vulnerable, reflecting concern over its restricted range and biology. That status, combined with its unusual anatomy and limited availability in the trade, makes it especially appealing to advanced collectors who want a jaw from a species that is genuinely different. Add in the fact that this example comes from the Dr. Gordon Hubbell collection, and it becomes much more than just another shark jaw — it becomes a specimen with real provenance, rarity, and educational value. 

Collector Notes

• Authentic jaw from the Dr. Gordon Hubbell collection

• Rare houndshark species and the only member of its genus

• Compact jaw with unusual blunt, pebble-like dentition

• Strong provenance and excellent educational value

• Ideal for serious shark collectors, species-focused collections, and natural history displays