Galapagos Shark, Carcharhinus galapagensis (Snodgrass & Heller, 1905)

Scientific name: Carcharhinus galapagensis

Similar species:
The species looks similar to the Grey Reef Shark. They can be separated by the number of precaudal vertebrae (103-109 vs. 110-121). The Galapagos Shark has a higher, more erect dorsal fin and usually less distinct black markings on the second dorsal fin and lower caudal fin lobe (pers. comm. Dr Clinton Duffy).

Author(s)

Mark McGrouther
Updated

15/03/21
Read time

2 minutes

Galapagos Shark — Galapagos sharks are common in the Kermadec Islands Marine reserve where fishing has been banned for many years. Image: Malcolm Francis
© Malcolm Francis

Fast Facts

Classification

Genus

Carcharhinus

Species

galapagensis

Family

Carcharhinidae

Order

Carcharhiniformes

Class

Chondrichthyes

Subphylum

Vertebrata

Phylum

Chordata

Kingdom

Animalia
Size Range

The species grows to a maximum length of 3 m (TL).

The Galapagos Shark is a large species that occurs primarily around oceanic islands.

Identification

Galapagos Sharks are brownish grey to dark grey with a large first dorsal fin and dusky fin tips that are most obvious in young fish.

Habitat

The species is commonly associated with oceanic islands where it is usually enountered in clear waters.

Distribution

The species is found worldwide in temperate and tropical marine waters. In Australia it has been recorded from Lord Howe Island and possibly Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs and North West Cape, Western Australia.

Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

Galapagos Shark, Carcharhinus galapagensis — A Galapagos Shark at a depth of 6 m, Erscott's Hole North, Lord Howe Island, New South Wales, December 2008.
Image: Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl

Danger to humans

Galapagos Sharks can be aggressive towards divers. Many individuals were encountered during the Kermadec Islands expedition. Most often the sharks appeared to be 'inquisitive' rather than aggressive.