Galapagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) fish species and Galapagos shark information

Scientific Name
Carcharhinus galapagensis

Common Name
Galapagos shark

Biology
A common but habitat-limited tropical shark found close inshore to well as offshore near or on insular or continental shelves (Ref. 244). Prefers clear water with coral and rocky bottoms (Ref. 244). Although a coastal pelagic species, it is capable of crossing considerable distances of open ocean between islands (at least 50 km) (Ref. 244). Juveniles restricted to shallower water, in 25 m or less (Ref. 244; 37816). Found in superficial aggregations (Ref. 244). Tends to feed near the bottom but may take bait from the surface (Ref. 5485). Feeds mainly on bottom fishes, also squid and octopi (Ref. 244). In the Galapagos Is. it preys on sea lions and marine iguanas (Ref. 28023). Aggressive and dangerous to people (Ref. 9997). Viviparous (Ref. 50449). 6 to 16 young of 57 to 80 cm are born per litter (Ref. 1602).

Classification

Classified By

Snodgrass & Heller, 1905

Class

Sharks and Rays (Elasmobranchii)

Order

Ground sharks (Carcharhiniformes)

Family

Requiem sharks (Carcharhinidae)

Distribution

Region

Circumtropical with a preference for waters around oceanic islands. Eastern Atlantic

Distribution

Circumtropical with a preference for waters around oceanic islands. Eastern Atlantic: including St. Paul's Rocks (Refs. 13121, 52289). Western Indian Ocean: including Walter's Shoal, south of Madagascar. Western Pacific: including Middleton and Elizabeth Reefs. Eastern Pacific: Gal?pagos (Ref. 58896).

Range

36°N - 41°S, 180°W - 180°E

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

1 m

Depth To - meters

286 m

Zone

reef-associated

Environment

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 286 m (Ref. 58302), usually 30 - 180 m (Ref. 37816)

Trophic Level

4.23 s.e. 0.62 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

True

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

370 cm

Common Length

300 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: minor commercial

Vulnerability

Moderate to high vulnerability (47 of 100)

Resilience

Very Low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years (Fec=4)

Threat To Humans

Traumatogenic (Ref. 4690)

IUCN Red List Status

Near Threatened (NT)

Galapagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) fish species and information / pictures of Galapagos shark - Carcharhinus galapagensis

Galapagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) fish species information

Classification

Distribution

Environment

Physical Size and Genetics

Human Uses and Population