Galapagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis)

Scientific name: Carcharhinus galapagensis Snodgrass & Heller, 1905

Galapagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis)

The Galapagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) is a marine fish of the family Carcharhinidae.

Biology

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

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Carcharhinus galapagensis
Family
Carcharhinidae (Requiem sharks)
Order
Carcharhiniformes (Ground sharks)
Class
Elasmobranchii (Sharks and Rays)
Maximum length
370
Common length
300
Depth range
1–286 m (3–938 ft)
Environment
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 286 m, usually 30 - 180 m
Climate
Tropical
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.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Near Threatened (NT)
Threat to humans
Traumatogenic
Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial
Resilience
Very Low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years (Fec=4)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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