Galapagos shark: Difference between revisions
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==Taxonomy== |
==Taxonomy== |
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The Galapagos shark was originally described as ''Carcharinus galapagensis'' in 1905. Its name was later changed to ''Carcharias galapagensis''. This name was changed yet again later that same year, and it received its currently valid scientific name ''Carcharhinus galapagensis''. |
The Galapagos shark was originally described as ''Carcharinus galapagensis'' in 1905. Its name was later changed to ''Carcharias galapagensis''. This name was changed yet again later that same year, and it received its currently valid scientific name ''Carcharhinus galapagensis''. |
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==Anatomy and appearance== |
==Anatomy and appearance== |
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The Galapagos shark is dark grey on top with an off-white belly and a black tail edge, it's snout is long and rounded. The Galapagos' Dorsal fin originates over it's Pectoral axis, it is also rounded like the Shark's snout, however the tip of the Dorsal fin is angled. Their average length is around 10 [[foot (measurement)|ft]] (3 [[metre|m]]). The Galapagos shark can be found in warm tropical waters at depths ranging from 16 to 200 ft (5 to 60 m). |
The Galapagos shark is dark grey on top with an off-white belly and a black tail edge, it's snout is long and rounded. The Galapagos' Dorsal fin originates over it's Pectoral axis, it is also rounded like the Shark's snout, however the tip of the Dorsal fin is angled. Their average length is around 10 [[foot (measurement)|ft]] (3 [[metre|m]]). The Galapagos shark can be found in warm tropical waters at depths ranging from 16 to 200 ft (5 to 60 m). |
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==Diet== |
==Diet== |
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They are [[benthic]] feeders, meaning they hunt prey from the sea floor, such as fish and [[octopus]]es. Adult Galapagos sharks are also [[cannibalistic]], feeding on their own young if encountered. |
They are [[benthic]] feeders, meaning they hunt prey from the sea floor, such as fish and [[octopus]]es. Adult Galapagos sharks are also [[cannibalistic]], feeding on their own young if encountered. |
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==Distribution and habitat== |
==Distribution and habitat== |
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Its distribution is widespread but patchy with populations occurring at many widely separated island sites and also in some coastal areas in the [[Pacific]], [[Atlantic]] and [[Indian Ocean|Indian]] oceans. It seems that there is little or no migration between these populations. |
Its distribution is widespread but patchy with populations occurring at many widely separated island sites and also in some coastal areas in the [[Pacific]], [[Atlantic]] and [[Indian Ocean|Indian]] oceans. It seems that there is little or no migration between these populations. |
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==Reproduction== |
==Reproduction== |
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==Relationship to humans== |
==Relationship to humans== |
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It is classed as "Near threatened" because it may be subject to high levels of fishing pressure in many areas of its range. |
It is classed as "Near threatened" because it may be subject to high levels of fishing pressure in many areas of its range. |
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==References== |
==References== |
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<references /> |
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* {{IUCN2006|assessors=Bennett, M.B., Gordon, I. & Kyne, P.M.|year=2000|id=41736|title=Carcharhinus galapagensis|downloaded=02 Aug 2006}} |
* {{IUCN2006|assessors=Bennett, M.B., Gordon, I. & Kyne, P.M.|year=2000|id=41736|title=Carcharhinus galapagensis|downloaded=02 Aug 2006}} |
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* {{FishBase_species|genus=Carcharhinus|species=galapagensis|year=2006|month=06}} |
* {{FishBase_species|genus=Carcharhinus|species=galapagensis|year=2006|month=06}} |
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Revision as of 06:55, 23 March 2008
| Galapagos shark | |
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| Species: | C. galapagensis
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| Binomial name | |
| Carcharhinus galapagensis | |
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| Range of galapagos shark | |
The Galapagos shark, Carcharhinus galapagensis, is a species of requiem shark that was first named in 1905 after specimens were found in the seas around the Galapagos Islands.
Taxonomy
The Galapagos shark was originally described as Carcharinus galapagensis in 1905. Its name was later changed to Carcharias galapagensis. This name was changed yet again later that same year, and it received its currently valid scientific name Carcharhinus galapagensis.
Anatomy and appearance
The Galapagos shark is dark grey on top with an off-white belly and a black tail edge, it's snout is long and rounded. The Galapagos' Dorsal fin originates over it's Pectoral axis, it is also rounded like the Shark's snout, however the tip of the Dorsal fin is angled. Their average length is around 10 ft (3 m). The Galapagos shark can be found in warm tropical waters at depths ranging from 16 to 200 ft (5 to 60 m).
Diet
They are benthic feeders, meaning they hunt prey from the sea floor, such as fish and octopuses. Adult Galapagos sharks are also cannibalistic, feeding on their own young if encountered.
Distribution and habitat
Its distribution is widespread but patchy with populations occurring at many widely separated island sites and also in some coastal areas in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. It seems that there is little or no migration between these populations.
Reproduction
Reproduction is viviparous. Litters can range from 6 to 16 pups.[1]
Relationship to humans
It is classed as "Near threatened" because it may be subject to high levels of fishing pressure in many areas of its range.
References
- Template:IUCN2006
- Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Carcharhinus galapagensis". FishBase. June 2006 version.
- "Carcharhinus galapagensis". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. 02 August.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=and|year=/|date=mismatch (help)
External websites
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Gallery/Descript/GalapagosShark/Galapagosshark.html
