Bull Shark
Common Names: Bull Shark, Bull whaler, Zambezi River Whaler, River Shark, Freshwater Whaler, Estuary Whaler
Scientific Name: Carcharhinus leucas
Size: Up to 3.5m
Found in: Shallow coastal tropical and sub-tropical waters, river and lake systems worldwide.
Population Status: Common - Low Risk of extinction (IUCN 2007)
Tooth Shape:
Bull Sharks possess triangular shaped serrated teeth. Used for tearing.
Reproduction:
Viviparous. Bull Sharks nourish their young through a placenta and after a gestation period of about 12 months, give birth to litters of up to 13 live pups. New born sharks are about 70cm long. Very young
bull sharks are often found in protected bays and rivers.
Interesting Facts:
A Bull Sharks diet may include fish (including other sharks and rays), turtles, birds, molluscs, crustaceans, squid and octopus.
Bull Sharks have the amazing ability to adapt to and survive in fresh water. They have been found 2800 km up the Mississippi River in the USA and 4000 km up the Amazon River in Peru.
Although given a ferocious reputation, Bull Shark behaviour and interactions with humans are governed by their environment and proximity to human populations. Sharks living in suburban canal systems are restricted in their ability to see and smell prey - therefore taste is often used to determine food type. Hence the frequency of accidental human bites.
Bull Sharks possess triangular shaped serrated teeth. Used for tearing.
Reproduction:
Viviparous. Bull Sharks nourish their young through a placenta and after a gestation period of about 12 months, give birth to litters of up to 13 live pups. New born sharks are about 70cm long. Very young
bull sharks are often found in protected bays and rivers.
Interesting Facts:
A Bull Sharks diet may include fish (including other sharks and rays), turtles, birds, molluscs, crustaceans, squid and octopus.
Bull Sharks have the amazing ability to adapt to and survive in fresh water. They have been found 2800 km up the Mississippi River in the USA and 4000 km up the Amazon River in Peru.
Although given a ferocious reputation, Bull Shark behaviour and interactions with humans are governed by their environment and proximity to human populations. Sharks living in suburban canal systems are restricted in their ability to see and smell prey - therefore taste is often used to determine food type. Hence the frequency of accidental human bites.
