< All fish

bull shark

Scientific name Carcharhinus leucas
Descriptor Müller & Henle
Year of description 1839
IUCN category (World) VU
Family Carcharhinidae
Genus Carcharhinus
Carcharhinus leucas Carcharhinus leucas
Français English Español Italiano

Introduction

The bull shark, Carcharhinus leucas, is found in tropical and subtropical seas and oceans.

It is one of the most feared sharks on the planet. It is notably responsible for the majority of recorded fatal attacks on humans to date.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Average size
    190 cm
  • Maximum size
    230 cm
  • Longevity
    32 year
  • Shape
    Oval
  • Average size
    190 cm
  • Maximum size
    230 cm
  • Longevity
    32 year
  • Shape
    Oval

How to recognize the bull shark ?

The bull shark has a massive body, a gray back, and a lighter belly. The head is rounded, the eyes are small, the pectoral fins are long and triangular. The first dorsal fin is wide. The caudal fin is heterocercal.

The triangular and serrated teeth of the upper jaw and the absence of inter-dorsal crests are characteristic of this species.

Sexual dimorphism

The male has a pair of claspers, reproductive organs resulting from the modification of the pelvic fins, allowing them to fertilize the female.

Behaviour & Life cycle

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

The bull shark is a solitary fish. A large carnivore and scavenger, it is one of the main predators in its habitat. It is perhaps the most aggressive of sharks. It most often hunts in murky waters, making its presence difficult to detect.

It is an active swimmer capable of covering over 180 kilometers in a day.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare
  • Migratory species
    Yes

The bull shark is a viviparous fish that can give birth to a dozen pups. These measure between 56 and 81 cm at birth. Sexual maturity is reached around 10-15 years at a size of 1.60 to 2 meters.

Risks for humans

  • Venomous
    No
  • Bite
    Yes
This species is equipped with significant dentition and can bite if it feels threatened. It is important to be particularly vigilant, especially during dives or fishing sessions. The number of bull shark attacks has increased in recent years on the island of Reunion. Many theories exist about the causes of this increase. Although none currently have unanimous agreement, it seems that a combination of events is the cause of these attacks.

The danger can be limited by respecting a few safety and common sense rules: do not swim in risky areas, for example on beaches without a lagoon (without a coral barrier), do not go into the water if it is murky or if it has rained, do not swim at sunrise or sunset (hunting period for large predators).

Since 2013, a series of decrees have been issued regarding coastal activities on the island of Reunion. These are temporary restrictions on swimming and certain nautical activities within 300 meters of the department's coastline, except in the lagoon and in designated and monitored areas defined by municipal decree.

Today, the majority of attacks occur on surfers practicing their sport in unsupervised risky areas.

Where to find it?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    24 - 28 °C
  • Depth
    1 - 152 m
  • Environment
    Active pelagic

Biotope presentation

The bull shark is most often found at depths of less than 150 meters. However, it is not impossible to find this fish at other depths.

The bull shark evolves near coastlines. It is adapted to changes in salinity and is known for its excursions in rivers. A specimen was caught in Peru, over 3,000 km from the coast. It is a regular resident of estuaries and coastal coves. It seems to appreciate waters with high turbidity.

Species of the same biotope

To go further

Species of the same family

To read on the web

BioObs fishbase EOL

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.

Interact with Fishipedia

To get in touch with our team or participate in our project.

Template and content © Fishipedia - Unauthorized reproduction without prior request - ISSN 2270-7247 - Last modification 13/11/2023
  • {{name}}

    {{#street_number}}{{street_number}}, {{/street_number}}{{#route}}{{route}}{{/route}}
    {{postal_code}} {{town}}

    {{#phone}}{{phone}}{{/phone}}{{^phone}}-{{/phone}}
    {{#displayDistance}}{{getFormatDistance}}{{/displayDistance}}