Distribution: Found in temperate waters worldwide; in the eastern Pacific from central Baja, California, Mexico north to British Columbia. Also off Peru and Chile. Size to 6 ½ ft long. Occurs offshore and in coastal waters, often entering bays. Once intensively fished in the 1930s and 1940s for its vitamin-A rich liver until Vitamin-A was synthesized. Small individuals sometimes confused with smoothhounds, but is distinguished by the large upper lobe of the tail and same-sized 2nd dorsal and anal fin.