Carcharhinus galapagensis

Galapagos Shark

Hasta 3.0–3.7 metros
Al menos 24 años
Preocupación menor
Sobre

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.

Tamaño

Hasta 3.0–3.7 metros (10–12 ft)

Peso

Hasta 195 kg (430 lb)

Esperanza de vida

Al menos 24 años

Estado

Preocupación menor

Dónde encontrarlos

Mejores ubicaciones de buceo

Isla del Coco, Costa RicaIslas Galápagos, EcuadorHawáiIsla Malpelo, ColombiaBermudasLord Howe Island, Australia

Consejos de buceo

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.

Mejor temporada

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

Hábitat

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.

Alimentación

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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Datos curiosos

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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