A medium-large shark — most adaptable shark to freshwater. Can ascend rivers far from sea.

Also called: Zambezi Shark (Africa), Nicaragua Shark (regional), Ganges Shark (incorrect)

Native status: Native; circumglobal in tropical and warm-temperate coastal waters

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 2.0–3.5 m (7–11.5 ft); record 4.0 m
Weight90–230 kg typical; record 320 kg
LifespanWild 12–16 years
OrderCarcharhiniformes
FamilyCarcharhinidae

§ Encyclopedia

The bull shark, also known as the Zambezi shark in Africa and Lake Nicaragua shark in Nicaragua, is a species of requiem shark commonly found worldwide in warm, shallow waters along coasts and in rivers. It is known for its aggressive nature, and presence mainly in warm, shallow brackish and freshwater systems including estuaries and (usually) lower reaches of rivers. Their aggressive nature has led to ongoing shark-culling efforts near beaches to protect beachgoers, which is one of the causes of bull shark populations continuing to decrease. Bull sharks are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Source: Wikipedia — Bull shark Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Stocky gray shark with broad blunt snout; short triangular dorsal fin; pale belly. Among the heaviest-built sharks for its length.

Similar species. Sandbar Shark (longer narrower fin). Blacktip Shark (black-tipped fins). Tiger Shark (vertical stripes; much larger).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Highly varied: bony fish, smaller sharks, sea turtles, dolphins, occasional terrestrial mammals (dogs, livestock) at water's edge.

Behavior. One of three shark species (along with River Sharks and Speartooth Shark) that can tolerate fresh water. Has been documented in the Mississippi River as far north as Illinois, in the Amazon 4,000 km from the ocean, and in Lake Nicaragua. Aggressive temperament and habit of swimming in shallow coastal water and rivers make bull sharks responsible for many unprovoked shark attacks — one of the "big three" most dangerous shark species along with Great Whites and Tiger Sharks.

§ Range

Atlantic, Gulf, Caribbean

§ Habitat

Coastal and estuarine waters, freshwater rivers

§ Threats

Bycatch, habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the bull shark is currently classified as Near Threatened.

§ What helps

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • NOAA Fisheries
  • Florida Museum International Shark Attack File
  • Mote Marine Laboratory
  • IUCN Red List 2020