silky shark

Scientific name Carcharhinus falciformis
Descriptor Müller & Henle
Year of description 1839
IUCN category VU
Family Carcharhinidae
Genus Carcharhinus
Carcharhinus falciformis Carcharhinus falciformis

Introduction

Carcharhinus falciformis, commonly known as silky shark, is a salt water fish.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Average size
    200 cm
  • Maximum size
    260 cm
  • Longevity
    25 year
  • Shape
    Oval
  • Average size
    200 cm
  • Maximum size
    260 cm
  • Longevity
    25 year
  • Shape
    Oval

How to recognize the silky shark ?

The silky shark measures around 200 cm. The females are more imposing and some specimens can reach 260 cm. This fish is bicolore with a predominantly blanc and gris body.

Sexual dimorphism

The female is bigger than the male.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    carnivorous
  • Sociability
    solitary
  • territorial
    No
  • Way of living
    diurnal

The silky shark hunts in the stalk and is one of the predators of its biotope. Opportunistic, it does not hesitate to attack any smaller animal nearby.

The silky shark is a fish solitary. This species is carnivorous .

Although the silky shark is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare
  • Migratory species
    Yes

The silky shark is a fish ovipare.

Risks for humans

  • Venomous
    No
  • Bite
    Yes

This species can attack if it feels threatened. It is important to be particularly vigilant especially during dives or fishing sessions.

Where to find it?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    24 - 28 °C
  • Depth
    1 - 500 m
  • Environment
    Active pelagic

Biotope presentation

The silky shark is most often found at a depth between 1m and 500m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.

Species of the same biotope

To go further

Species of the same family

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Adrien Falzon

Adrien Falzon

Benoit Chartrer

Benoit Chartrer

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

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Species of the same family

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Species of the same biotope

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