Overview

The Galapagos shark, belonging to the Carcharhinidae family, is a large, robust shark with a distinctive grey to brown coloration and a white underside. It can be distinguished from similar species like the blacktip shark by its lack of black tips on its fins and its more rounded snout.

Commonly found in:

1. Ecuador
2. Panama
3. Colombia
4. Costa Rica
5. Mexico
6. Peru
7. Chile
8. Venezuela
9. Guatemala
10. Honduras
11. Nicaragua
12. El Salvador
13. Belize
14. United States

Over the past 61 years, there have been 8 recorded attacks by Galapagos Sharks. Of these attacks, they have occurred at sea and at the following beaches:

• LIST OF BEACHES HERE

Size and Weight

• Size: Males average between 6.5-8.2 feet when mature; females average between 7.2-9.8 feet when mature
• Weight: Males typically weigh 85-195 pounds; females typically weigh 135-220 pounds
• Swimming speed: Average cruising speed of 1-2 mph, with bursts up to 20-25 mph

Interaction with Humans

• Interaction with Humans: Generally curious but not aggressive; rare attacks
• Avoidance: Stay out of water at dusk, night, and dawn; avoid murky waters
• Activity: Most active during night and twilight hours

Lifespan and Diet

• Lifespan: Males live approximately 20-25 years; females live approximately 25-30 years
• Diet: Fish, squid, octopuses; hunts by circling and rushing prey

Migratory Patterns

Galapagos sharks exhibit seasonal migratory patterns. They typically start in the Galapagos Islands and move towards the coast of Costa Rica and Panama during certain times of the year. Some individuals have been observed traveling to seamounts in the open ocean between the Galapagos and mainland South America. They may also migrate to areas around Cocos Island and Malpelo Island. However, their full migratory routes are not yet fully understood, and some populations may be more resident than others.