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Shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) click here.
Galapagos Shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis)
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page are copyright protected: © 2010 Kelvin Aitken.
All rights reserved. Students may use this information for
personal research only. Not for commercial use.
The Galapagos Shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) was first
recorded in the Galapagos archipelago but has since been recorded
in many oceanic islands of the Pacific. Its distribution is
restricted in Australia to Lord Howe Island and surrounding
oceanic reefs, being very plentiful at Middleton and Elizabeth
Reefs. At first glance this shark is very similar to the Grey
Reef Shark with comparable markings, colour and profile but
the Galapagos Shark has a far more slender body, especially
when young, and a slightly rounded dorsal fin.
Female Galapagos Sharks are often seen with deep mating scars
caused by males biting their gills, fins and flanks in a dominance
display. Pups are born 60–80 cm long and grow to an adult
size of 3 m. They feed primarily on fish and squid. Like the
Grey Reef Shark, the Galapagos Shark also has a threat display
that is used to warn off predators or competitors looking
for food or territory.
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