Average Weight/Length
Up to 12 ft (maximum reported in Hawaii, 9.8 ft)
Family, Genus, Class & Etymology
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. |
Location Habitat
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
Biology & Physical Description
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
Life Cycle & Mating Behavior
Viviparous, with a yolk sac placenta. 6 to 16 young born at 60-80 cm. Distinct pairing with embrace
Geographic Species Map (Fishbase.org Map)
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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 |
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Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org) |
Tackle & Baits
Light spinning and baitcasting outfits. Any sort of small live fish or cut bait.
Game Rating
Game Rating : 7/10
Game Description :
Usually pretty big if you hook one, so the fight is heavy.
Food Rating
Game Rating : 7/10
Game Description :
Pretty good.
Picture (Fish)
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