Got a photo? Identify fish instantly with the Fishby app.
Open the appDescription
The Silky Shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) is a species of requiem shark, in the family Carcharhinidae, named for the smooth texture of its skin. It is a highly migratory, pelagic species found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Known for its slender, streamlined body and distinctive small second dorsal fin, it is an opportunistic predator, often found in association with schools of tuna. This species is highly valued in commercial fisheries for its meat, fins, and liver oil, leading to significant population declines globally.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- torpedo
- Coloration
- Dorsal surface is dark grey to brownish-grey, fading to white on the ventral side. The tips of the fins, particularly the second dorsal and lower caudal lobe, may be dusky or blackish, but this is not always prominent.
- Scale type
- placoid
- Mouth position
- inferior
- Distinctive features
- Slender, streamlined body, Relatively small second dorsal fin with a long, free rear tip, originating over or slightly behind the anal fin origin, Long, sickle-shaped pectoral fins, Interdorsal ridge present, though sometimes indistinct, Smooth, 'silky' skin texture due to small, closely packed dermal denticles
- Dorsal fin
- First dorsal fin moderately large, originating behind the pectoral fin free rear tips. Second dorsal fin is notably small with a long free rear tip, originating over or slightly behind the anal fin origin.
- Tail fin
- Caudal fin is strongly asymmetrical, with a well-developed lower lobe and a prominent subterminal notch on the upper lobe.
- Pectoral fin
- Long, narrow, and distinctly sickle-shaped (falcate).
- Distinctive fins
- The long, free rear tip of the second dorsal fin is a key diagnostic feature, often extending more than twice the height of the fin itself.
Identification Tips
Second Dorsal Fin
Look for a very small second dorsal fin with a long, free rear tip that extends well past the fin base. This is a primary distinguishing characteristic.
Pectoral Fins
Observe the long, slender, and distinctly sickle-shaped (falcate) pectoral fins.
Skin Texture
If close enough, the skin feels notably smooth or 'silky' due to its small, tightly packed dermal denticles, unlike the rougher skin of many other sharks.
Interdorsal Ridge
A low interdorsal ridge is usually present between the first and second dorsal fins, though it can be subtle.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Primarily epipelagic, from the surface down to at least 500 meters (1,640 feet), occasionally deeper. Often found near continental and insular shelves, but also in open ocean.
- Environment
- Open ocean, pelagic zones, often associated with oceanic islands, coral reefs, and continental shelves. Prefers warm waters.
- Geographic range
- Circumglobal in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Found between approximately 40°N and 40°S latitude.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: expert
- Temperament: aggressive
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: Not suitable for aquarium keeping due to size and pelagic nature.
- Temperature: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
- pH level: 8.1-8.4
- Hardness: Not applicable (marine species)
- Compatibility: Not compatible with other species in captivity due to size and predatory nature.
- Special requirements: Requires vast open ocean environments; impossible to replicate in captivity.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: vulnerable
- Seasonality: Present year-round in tropical and subtropical waters, but exhibits seasonal movements related to prey availability and reproductive cycles.
- Market price: Variable, depending on region and product (meat, fins, liver oil)
- Commercial importance: high
- Taste: Mild, firm
- Texture: Firm, meaty
- Cooking methods: Grilled, Fried, Baked, Smoked
- Nutritional value: Good source of protein, but can accumulate mercury due to its position in the food chain.
Key Facts
Tuna Followerbehavior
Silky Sharks are frequently found in association with schools of tuna, particularly skipjack and yellowfin, preying on the same baitfish.
Highly Migratorybehavior
This species undertakes extensive migrations, often covering thousands of kilometers, following warm water currents and prey availability.
Live Bearersbehavior
Silky Sharks are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young. Females have a gestation period of 9-12 months, producing litters of 2-18 pups.
Fin Trade Targetinteresting
Due to their large fins, Silky Sharks are a primary target in the global shark fin trade, which has significantly contributed to their population decline.
Smooth Skininteresting
The common name 'Silky Shark' comes from the smooth texture of its skin, which is due to its very small, closely packed dermal denticles.
Safety Information
Dangerous- Safety level: dangerous
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: Silky Sharks are large, powerful predators and should be treated with extreme caution. They are known to be aggressive, especially when feeding or in competitive situations. Avoid provoking them, and do not attempt to handle them in the water. Anglers should use appropriate gear and exercise extreme care when releasing them.
Similar Species
Oceanic Whitetip Shark
Carcharhinus longimanus
The Oceanic Whitetip has much larger, rounded dorsal and pectoral fins with prominent white tips (though these can be absent in some individuals). Its first dorsal fin is also much larger and more rounded than that of the Silky Shark.
Dusky Shark
Carcharhinus obscurus
The Dusky Shark has a more robust body, a more triangular first dorsal fin, and typically lacks the very long free rear tip on the second dorsal fin. Its pectoral fins are also less falcate than those of the Silky Shark.
Sandbar Shark
Carcharhinus plumbeus
The Sandbar Shark has a very tall, triangular first dorsal fin that originates over or slightly in front of the pectoral fin axil. Its second dorsal fin is also proportionally larger than the Silky Shark's, and it has a prominent interdorsal ridge.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Chondrichthyes
- Order
- Carcharhiniformes
- Family
- Carcharhinidae
- Genus
- Carcharhinus
- Species
- falciformis
Explore Silky Shark
Identify fish anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full species details, and more.