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.