cartilaginous, saltwater, reef fish
Galapagos Shark
Carcharhinus galapagensis
The Galapagos shark has a slender, streamlined fusiform body. It features a moderately long, rounded snout and a high, falcate (sickle-shaped) first dorsal fin that originates over the posterior pectoral fin tips. It is typically brownish-gray above and white below, with a faint white stripe on the flanks.…
- Habitat
- Primarily found in clear, tropical waters around oceanic…
- Size & weight
- Adults typically reach lengths of 3 to 3.7 meters (9.8 t…
- Diet
- Varied diet consisting of bony fishes, cephalopods (squi…
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Physical characteristics
The Galapagos shark has a slender, streamlined fusiform body. It features a moderately long, rounded snout and a high, falcate (sickle-shaped) first dorsal fin that originates over the posterior pectoral fin tips. It is typically brownish-gray above and white below, with a faint white stripe on the flanks. It lacks prominent markings on the fins, though tips may be slightly dusky.
Habitat & distribution
Primarily found in clear, tropical waters around oceanic islands and nearshore coral reefs. They range from the surface down to depths of about 180 meters (590 feet), often preferring rugged underwater terrain and shelf breaks.
Behavior
Highly active and social, often found in large groups or schools, especially when young. They are known to be bold and inquisitive, sometimes displaying territorial 'hunching' behaviors when threatened or competing for food.
Diet
Varied diet consisting of bony fishes, cephalopods (squid and octopus), and occasionally smaller sharks or rays. Large individuals may also consume sea lions or marine iguanas in specific regions like the Galapagos Islands.
Reproduction
Viviparous (giving birth to live young) with a yolk-sac placenta. Litters usually range from 6 to 16 pups. The gestation period is approximately one year, and females likely breed every 2 to 3 years.
Ecological role
Apex predator that regulates populations of reef and pelagic organisms. They are vital for maintaining the health and balance of island marine ecosystems by culling the weak and sick.
Similar species
They are strikingly similar to Grey Reef Sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) and Dusky Sharks (Carcharhinus obscurus). They differ from Grey Reef Sharks by having a taller first dorsal fin and a ridge between the dorsal fins. They are distinguished from Dusky Sharks by having a more rounded snout and larger teeth.
Identification tips
Look for the high first dorsal fin with a pointed tip and the presence of a low dermal ridge between the two dorsal fins. The snout is rounded and of moderate length, and the pectoral fins are large and slightly pointed.
Interesting facts
Despite their name, they are found globally in all warm oceans, not just the Galapagos. They are known to exhibit 'dominance hierarchies' within their schools, and their skin is covered in placoid scales (dermal denticles) that reduce drag while swimming.