Galapagos Shark

About Galapagos Shark

The Galapagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) is a large, powerful requiem shark found circumtropically around oceanic islands. Named after the Galápagos Islands where it was first described in 1905, this impressive predator is easily recognized by its tall, nearly straight first dorsal fin, robust grey-brown body, and white underbelly. Growing up to 3.3 meters (11 feet) in length, the Galapagos shark prefers clear tropical waters with strong currents over coral and rocky reef habitats. It is particularly abundant around remote oceanic islands such as Cocos Island, the Galápagos archipelago, Hawaii, and Bermuda. This species feeds primarily on bottom-dwelling fish including eels, groupers, flatfish, and triggerfish, as well as squid and octopus. Larger individuals also prey on rays and smaller sharks — including members of their own species. At the Galápagos Islands, they have been observed preying on sea lions and marine iguanas. Galapagos sharks are viviparous (live-bearing), giving birth to litters of 4-16 pups after gestation. Newborn pups measure 75-89 cm and remain in shallow nursery areas to avoid cannibalism from adults. Males mature at 2.1-2.4m, females at 2.2-2.5m, with a maximum known lifespan of approximately 24 years. Highly inquisitive by nature, Galapagos sharks are known to approach divers closely. They display distinctive threat behavior — arching the back, raising the head, and lowering the caudal and pectoral fins while swimming in a twisted, rolling motion. At Cocos Island, they are regularly encountered at cleaning stations around Dirty Rock and Punta Maria.

Quick Facts

• Habitat: Tropical oceanic islands, clear waters with strong currents, coral and rocky reefs
• Diet: Bottom-dwelling fish, eels, groupers, rays, squid, octopus, and smaller sharks
• Best season: Year-round at Cocos Island, peak shark activity June to November

Fun Facts

They perform a dramatic threat display — arching their back and swimming in a twisted, rolling motion,At the Galápagos Islands they have been observed attacking marine iguanas and sea lions,Juveniles stay in shallow nursery areas to avoid cannibalism from larger adults,They are dominant over blacktip sharks but deferent to silvertip sharks of equal size

Diving Tips

Galapagos sharks are bold and curious — maintain eye contact and stay calm.