Galapagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) fish species and information / pictures of Galapagos shark - Carcharhinus galapagensis

Galapagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) fish species information

Scientific Name
Carcharhinus galapagensis

Common Name
Galapagos shark

Biology
A common but habitat-limited tropical shark found close inshore to well as offshore near or on insular or continental shelves (Ref. 244). Prefers clear water with coral and rocky bottoms (Ref. 244). Although a coastal pelagic species, it is capable of crossing considerable distances of open ocean between islands (at least 50 km) (Ref. 244). Juveniles restricted to shallower water, in 25 m or less (Ref. 244; 37816). Found in superficial aggregations (Ref. 244). Tends to feed near the bottom but may take bait from the surface (Ref. 5485). Feeds mainly on bottom fishes, also squid and octopi (Ref. 244). In the Galapagos Is. it preys on sea lions and marine iguanas (Ref. 28023). Aggressive and dangerous to people (Ref. 9997). Viviparous (Ref. 50449). 6 to 16 young of 57 to 80 cm are born per litter (Ref. 1602).

Classification

Classified By
Snodgrass & Heller, 1905
Class
Sharks and Rays (Elasmobranchii)
Order
Ground sharks (Carcharhiniformes)
Family
Requiem sharks (Carcharhinidae)

Distribution

Region
Circumtropical with a preference for waters around oceanic islands. Eastern Atlantic
Distribution
Circumtropical with a preference for waters around oceanic islands. Eastern Atlantic: including St. Paul's Rocks (Refs. 13121, 52289). Western Indian Ocean: including Walter's Shoal, south of Madagascar. Western Pacific: including Middleton and Elizabeth Reefs. Eastern Pacific: Gal?pagos (Ref. 58896).
Range
36°N - 41°S, 180°W - 180°E

Environment

Climate
Tropical
Water Temperature From
Unknown °C
Water Temperature To
Unknown °C
Depth From - meters
1 m
Depth To - meters
286 m
Zone
reef-associated
Environment
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 286 m (Ref. 58302), usually 30 - 180 m (Ref. 37816)
Trophic Level
4.23 s.e. 0.62 Based on diet studies.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
True
Occurs in Brackish water
False
Occurs in Fresh Water
False
Occurs on Reefs
True
Is kept in Aquariums
False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
370 cm
Common Length
300 cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial
Vulnerability
Moderate to high vulnerability (47 of 100)
Resilience
Very Low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years (Fec=4)
Threat To Humans
  Traumatogenic (Ref. 4690)
IUCN Red List Status
  Near Threatened (NT)