Bull Shark,  Carcharhinus leucas

Other names:
Zambezi shark, Lake Nicaragua shark, River Whaler, Freshwater Whaler, Swan River Whaler.

Size:
Max. 340cm.  Mature females 200-300cm, mature males 160-220cm.

Appearance:
A large, stocky, heavy bodied species with a short, bluntly rounded snout and small circular eyes.  First dorsal fin large and triangular.  Interdorsal ridge absent.  Coloration dusky grey on top, pale underbelly.  Fin tips may darken, more common in juvenile specimens.

Distribution:
Widespread throughout all tropical and subtropical seas, most abundant near continental coastlines.  Depth ranges from intertidal to 150m/500ft commonly found in less than 30m.

General:
Well documented for its ability to survive in freshwater, although yet to be proven if entire life cycle can be maintained there.  Birthing grounds are believed to be up rivers, estuaries and even in lakes. We have active research in this area with our ongoing tagging study.

Feeding:
An opportunistic feeder with a varied diet.  Prey includes many bony fishes, elasmobranches, sea turtles and marine and land mammals.

Reproduction:
Placental viviparous with a yolk sac-placenta.  Gestation period 10-11 months, with 1-13 pups per litter.  Size at birth between 50-80cm, with a very slow growth rate.

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