Scientific name:
Carcharhinus leucas Identification:
A stocky body; very broad, short snout; eyes are small; no interdorsal ridge; large triangular dorsal fin with sharp apex; no distinct markings on the fins, although fin tips and the trailing edge of the caudal fin are sometimes dusky, especially in juveniles. Size:
Birth 56-81 cm (22-31.9 inches), maximum length 3.4 m (11.2 ft). Range:
Found in all tropical and subtropical seas, being most abundant near continental coastlines. Depth range from intertidal zone to 150 m (495 ft), usually near bottom. Biology:
Well known for its habit of entering rivers and lakes around the world. Segregation of different sizes occurs, with juveniles in shallower water thanadults. Feeds on a wide range of prey items, including bony fishes, sea turtles, marine mammals, crabs, and squid. Adults known for their dietary predilection for other elasmobranchs. Observed lying torpid ("sleeping") on the ocean floor. Although there are no verified attacks on divers (except spearfishermen and aquarists) on record, this species, because of its varied diet and sheer bulk, is potentially dangerous. It has attacked bathers.