Carcharhinus galapagensis

Galapagos Shark

Bis zu 3.0–3.7 Meter
Mindestens 24 Jahre
Nicht gefährdet
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Galapagos Shark

The Galapagos shark is a large, powerful requiem shark found circumtropically around oceanic islands. First described from specimens collected at the Galápagos Islands in 1905, this impressive predator is often the most abundant shark species in shallow island waters. It can be difficult to distinguish from the dusky shark, but has a taller first dorsal fin and larger teeth. Galapagos sharks are highly inquisitive and bold, frequently approaching divers closely — making them a thrilling encounter at remote dive destinations like Cocos Island and the Galápagos archipelago.

Größe

Bis zu 3.0–3.7 Meter (10–12 Fuß)

Gewicht

Bis zu 195 kg (430 Pfund)

Lebenserwartung

Mindestens 24 Jahre

Status

Nicht gefährdet

Wo man sie findet

Beste Tauchorte

Kokos-Insel, Costa RicaGalápagos-Inseln, EcuadorHawaiiMalpelo-Insel, KolumbienBermudaLord Howe Island, Australien

Tauchtipps

Galapagos sharks are bold and curious — maintain eye contact and stay calm. They perform a distinctive threat display when agitated: arching the back, lowering pectoral fins, and swimming in an exaggerated rolling motion. If you see this behaviour, slowly back away. At Cocos Island, look for them around Dirty Rock and Punta Maria cleaning stations, often in the company of hammerheads and whitetip reef sharks.

Beste Saison

Year-round at Cocos Island, peak shark activity June to November

Lebensraum

Tropical oceanic islands over continental and insular shelves, preferring rugged reef habitats with clear water and strong currents. Found from the surface down to 180 metres depth.

Ernährung

Bottom-dwelling bony fish (eels, sea bass, flatfish, triggerfish), octopus, squid, rays, and smaller sharks. Larger individuals also prey on sea lions, fur seals, and marine iguanas.
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Fun Facts

1

They perform a dramatic threat display — arching their back and swimming in a twisted, rolling motion when feeling cornered

2

At the Galápagos Islands they have been observed attacking marine iguanas and sea lions

3

Juveniles stay in shallow nursery areas to avoid cannibalism from larger adults

4

They are dominant over blacktip sharks but deferent to silvertip sharks of equal size

5

Snodgrass and Heller reported 'several hundred' adults caught and 'thousands' more visible in the water during their 1905 expedition

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