Galapagos Shark

The Galapagos shark belongs to the family Carcharhinidae and falls under the requiem shark group. They give live birth and are migratory, preferring tropical waters.

While their name might indicate that they are only found around the Galápagos Islands, they occur all over the globe. However, they received their name because they were first discovered in what is now the Galapagos Marine Reserve.

Galapagos sharks are one of the biggest shark species and have slender and streamlined builds. They look very similar to the reef shark and dusky shark.

Galapagos Shark Facts

• The Galapagos shark can be found worldwide, mainly around offshore islands and underwater seamounts.
• They are hard to identify from other big requiem sharks because of their similarities.
• They are a dark gray color with an off-white underbelly. They have serrated, triangular teeth on their upper jaw and narrow ones on the lower jaw.
• They are primarily midwater and surface predators, feeding on fish and cephalopods, and larger individuals may prey on marine iguanas and sea lions.
• They give live birth to a litter of 4 to 16 pups every 2 to 3 years, often in shallow nursery areas.
• Galapagos sharks are large and grow up to 12.1 feet long.

Classification and Scientific Name

The Galapagos shark’s scientific name is Carcharhinus galapagensis. They belong to the family Carcharhinidae and the class Chondrichthyes.

The Galapagos shark was first documented in 1905 by Edmund Heller and Robert Evan Snodgrass, and they named it after the location where it was found.

Appearance

The Galapagos shark has a sleek and slender build with two dorsal fins, one on its back and another towards the tail.

They are brownish-gray with a light underbelly and have round, broad snouts with a mouth full of sharp, serrated teeth. Galapagos sharks can reach lengths of 9.8 to 12.1 feet and weigh up to about 430 pounds, though most are smaller.

Behavior

The Galapagos shark is mostly solitary but also occurs in loose groups. They are very curious animals and will often swim up to divers and spearfishermen, especially if food is involved.

If they feel threatened, they will arch their backs and raise their heads, lowering the caudal and pectoral fins. In addition, they start to swim while rolling and twisting aggressively.

Galapagos sharks are potentially dangerous to humans and could attack if there is a food source close by. So, it is best to avoid swimming in areas where they are present.

Habitat

They thrive in shallow water but can reach depths of 919 feet. However, research has shown that Galapagos sharks in the Hawaiian Islands enjoy steep dives and rapid ascents of 2,230 feet. When they are in shallow water, they prefer areas with strong currents, but scientists cannot explain the reason behind this behavior.

Galapagos sharks are often found around offshore islands and seamounts, sometimes forming large groups. Astonishingly, some studies have revealed that they account for 90 to 95 percent of various shark species in specific locations.

Diet

Galapagos sharks have a wide selection when it comes to prey. They usually eat:

• Octopus
• Squid
• Seals
• Sea lions
• Marine iguanas
• Small sharks

Galapagos sharks are cannibalistic and sometimes eat their young, so the pups stay away from the adults in shallow water.

What Happens When They Eat Something They Shouldn’t?

Galapagos sharks have a unique ability that everyone needs from time to time. If they accidentally consume something poisonous, they can eject the entire contents of their stomach through their mouths. This allows them to empty their stomachs if needed and rinse it out before sucking it back into their bodies.

Predators and Threats

Because of their size, Galapagos sharks have few predators. However, their young are vulnerable to cannibalism.

Most of their decline is due to overfishing and habitat loss (the coastal nurseries). Most fishermen do not intentionally target the Galapagos shark, but they often get caught in nets. However, some fishermen purposefully kill them because they think they are a threat.

In addition, their fins are in high demand in the Chinese market because they use their fins in soup.

Are Galapagos Sharks dangerous?

Yes, Galapagos sharks are dangerous and belong to the group (Requiem sharks) responsible for many attacks on humans.

Because they are curious animals, they often swim up to divers, and if food is involved, they can become quite aggressive. However, if they are met with aggressiveness by divers, they do not shy away. Instead, it makes them more excited.

The International Shark Attack File states that Galapagos sharks are only responsible for one human death in the Virgin Islands.

Reproduction, Babies, and Lifespan

The Galapagos shark’s mating season commences early in the year, and their gestation period lasts 12 months. The females often receive “mating scars” because the males bite their fins, gills, and bodies during the ritual.

They are viviparous, meaning the females carry eggs inside their uterus, which the males fertilize. They hatch inside their mother, and she gives birth to live pups.

Their litters generally consist of 4 to 16 pups every two to three years. If they make it to adulthood, it is estimated that they can live for 20 to 25 years. However, scientists don’t know much about their lifespan.

Population

The current population size of the Galapagos shark is unknown. However, the IUCN Red List states they are Least Concern.

Are there other sharks in the Galapagos Islands?

Yes, the Galapagos Islands are overflowing with wildlife, including a variety of 32 species of sharks. Some species stay put while others migrate.

They include:

• Tiger sharks
• Bullhead sharks
• Galapagos hammerheads
• Whitetip reef sharks
• Whale sharks

Galapagos Shark In the Aquarium

Not many aquariums can house Galapagos sharks due to their size and aggressive nature. However, you can visit them at the Mandalay Aquarium in Nevada.

Can I go Diving With a Galapagos shark?

Although there are not many aquariums where you can see the Galapagos shark, you can go diving with them. Many tours take people scuba diving and snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands. Darwin Island and Wolf Island are the best places to view them because that’s where the largest population occurs.

As mentioned above, they can be aggressive, and there have been eight shark-related attacks in the Galapagos Islands over the years. “Since records of shark accidents were first recorded in 1854, there have been a total of 8 incidents of sharks in the Galapagos Islands, and only 3 involving tourists. Two were tuna fishermen chumming the water in the 1950s, and one of them actually fell overboard into a school of fish! Three were surfers.”

But if you are adamant about diving with these majestic creatures, ensure you are with an experienced guide. Always be alert and watch out for any suspicious behavior, and if you feel threatened, evacuate the space.