Galapagos Shark

Up to 12 ft (maximum reported in Hawaii, 9.8 ft)

Family	Carcharhinidae
Description	Requiem sharks
Environment	Fresh, Brackish & Marine
Etymology	Greek, karcharos, -ou = cutting, sharp and also a kind of shark + Greek, rhinos = nose
Genus	12
No. of Species	59
Order	Carcharhiniformes
Class	Elasmobranchii
Reproductive Guild	Bearers
Distribution	Global. Gill openings 5, the fifth behind origin of pectoral fin. Small to large sharks with round eyes, internal nictitating eyelids, no nasoral grooves or barbels, usually no spiracles. Teeth usually bladelike with one cusp. Development usually viviparous with young born fully developed. Includes several dangerous species, but most prefer to avoid divers.

Mostly found in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. 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

Brownish gray on dorsal surface; white underside; trailing edge of tail is dusky, but not black. Eats bottom fishes and cephalopods. Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 0. Low inter-dorsal ridge present. Dark grey above, light below, fins plain or with slightly dusky tips

Viviparous, with a yolk sac placenta. 6 to 16 young born at 60-80 cm. Distinct pairing with embrace

Summary of Distribution: Circumtropical with a preference for waters around oceanic islands. Eastern Atlantic: including St. Paul's Rocks. Western Indian Ocean: including Walter's Shoal, south of Madagascar. Western Pacific: including Middleton and Elizabeth Reefs. Eastern Pacific: Galápagos
Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org)

Light spinning and baitcasting outfits. Any sort of small live fish or cut bait.