The porbeagle is a stout, heavy shark with a pointed, conical snout and a crescent-shaped caudal, or tail, fin. Its name is thought to arise from a combination of ‘porpoise’ referring to its shape, and ‘beagle’ referring to its hunting ability. It is dark bluish-grey to bluish-black on top, and white underneath. The first dorsal fin is large and triangular and has a white patch on the back of it, whilst the second dorsal fin is very small. The large pectoral fins, used for balancing and breaking, are situated behind long gill slits. The porbeagle, which has moderately large blade-like teeth, is related to the much-feared shortfin mako and white shark, but seldom, if ever, attacks humans.