How dangerous are Galapagos sharks?
Although the Galapagos shark is considered potentially dangerous, it rarely attacks humans.
Why is the Galapagos shark endangered?
They are facing increasing pressures from industrial fishing, habitat loss and plastic pollution. The Galapagos Marine Reserve is unique in its high concentration of shark species. We are supporting research that will ensure protection for these vulnerable sharks throughout their lifetime.
How big can Galapagos sharks get?
The Galapagos shark reaches a maximum length of 330 cm (11 ft). Male individuals mature at lengths of 2.1-2.4 m (6.9-7.5 ft.) while females mature at 2.2-2.5 m (7.2-8.2 feet) in length. Age of Galapagos sharks at first reproductive effort is approximately 10 years.
How much do Galapagos sharks weigh?
47 kgAdult
Galapagos shark/Mass
Are there sharks in Galapagos?
At least 33 species of shark have been recorded in the waters around the Galápagos Islands, including the recently discovered Galápagos ghostshark. One of the most common shark species seen in the Islands is the Galápagos shark, but confusingly this species is found throughout the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
What kind of food does the Galapagos shark eat?
Galapagos sharks are active predators often encountered in large groups. They feed mainly on bottom-dwelling bony fishes and cephalopods; larger individuals have a much more varied diet, consuming other sharks, marine iguanas, sea lions, and even garbage. As in other requiem sharks, reproduction is viviparous,…
Who are the enemies of the Galapagos sharks?
Galapagos sharks have few natural enemies. Although young sharks may succumb to cannibalism by adults, most of the mortality in the species is attributable to human activites.
Where to find sharks in the Galapagos Islands?
Though they are bottom feeders, they are known to occasionally feast on sea lions and marine iguanas in the Galapagos Islands. Where to find Galapagos sharks: Galapagos sharks are most abundant near Wolf Island and Darwin Island.
What kind of animals live on the Galapagos Islands?
Cephalopod mollusks such as squid and octopus are also present in large numbers, and small sharks may also be consumed. Around the Galapagos Islands, remains of marine mammals such as sea lions and marine reptiles such as iguanas have also been discovered to be prey items. Galapagos sharks have few natural enemies.
What are the threats to the Galapagos sharks?
Threats: Adult Galapagos sharks are too large to be eaten by most predators in their geographical range, therefore humans are the major threat to their population. Local fishing depletes numbers through bycatch, and populations tend to recover slowly due to their slow reproductive rate.
What kind of predators live on the Galapagos Islands?
The Galapagos hawk is the apex predator in the Galapagos Islands and there are no predators that can take on the hawks. The hawks are found on all the islands except Floreanna and Genovese islands.
Are there whale sharks in the Galapagos Islands?
Many whale sharks return to Darwin Island routinely in their migrations, though they are a rarer shark sighting than others. Galapagos sharks, otherwise known as grey reef whalers, prefer waters around oceanic islands and are primarily concentrated around the Galapagos Islands.
Galapagos sharks are active predators often encountered in large groups. They feed mainly on bottom-dwelling bony fishes and cephalopods; larger individuals have a much more varied diet, consuming other sharks, marine iguanas, sea lions, and even garbage. As in other requiem sharks, reproduction is viviparous,…
